Did you know there are hundreds of maize varieties and that corn cultivation began over 5000 years ago? Corn, or maize, is one of the most important crops of the world, as well as a model organism, revealing cutting edge concepts of basic genetics. Discover the historical, ecological, genetic (scientific) and cultural importance of corn on our Maize website.

Click here to go the the Maize website.

The Georgia Museum of Natural History provides Joshua Laerm Academic Support Awards annually. These awards support undergraduate and graduate studies in natural history by students currently enrolled at the University of Georgia.

Dr. Laerm was the Museum Director from 1978 to 1997. A fund has been established in memory of Dr. Laerm to support student research in natural history.

New on display in the Discovery Room, a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) skeleton. Pygmy sperm whales are small toothed whales. The specimen on display measures over 10 feet in length. More information about pygmy sperm whales can be found here.