That was then. This is now.

Thousands of years of postnatural selection.

blue carnation from that was then exhibit extended

General Info

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From domestic dogs to pigeons bred to tumble from the sky, learn about the history of “postnatural” selection. Each of the specimens in That was then. This is now. represents a way in which humans have influenced a species’ evolution or genetic makeup. Together, they tell a story of human curiosity and desire that stretches back tens of thousands of years.

All content is provided in English and Spanish. Todo el contenido está disponible en inglés y español.

Visitors listen to recorded audio about exhibition object using a telephone

Visitors listen to a recording on the origins of postnatural history

The first photograph printed on a living biofilm of bacteria, which spells out "Hello World"

Courtesy: Center for PostNatural History

Photograph printed on a living biofilm of E. coli bacteria

Three-quarter view of prehistoric domestic dog skull from the Channel Islands

NHMLAC A.4616.41

Domestic dog skull found on Santa Rosa Island

3D image of a transgenic mosquito

Artist: Rich Pell, 2017. Courtesy: Center for PostNatural History

3D image of a transgenic mosquito

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Visitors listen to a recording on the origins of postnatural history

Photograph printed on a living biofilm of E. coli bacteria

Courtesy: Center for PostNatural History

Domestic dog skull found on Santa Rosa Island

NHMLAC A.4616.41

3D image of a transgenic mosquito

Artist: Rich Pell, 2017. Courtesy: Center for PostNatural History

Along the way, you'll:
 

  • Listen to the story of the first photograph printed on a living biofilm of bacteria

  • See a 1,500-year-old corn specimen in the same exhibition as genetically modified mosquitoes

  • Look at 3D images of dog skeletons, alligator heads, and more

This exhibition was organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Center for PostNatural History in partnership with USC Visions and Voices program.