A new exhibition by Heritage Malta at the National Museum of Natural History in Mdina explores the use of the Latin adjective ‘melitensis’, meaning ‘from Malta’, in scientific nomenclature.
The term melitensis has been used in scientific nomenclature to denote species endemic to or first identified in Malta.
The exhibition traces the evolution of biological classification from early, decentralised systems to the standardised system introduced by Swedish botanist Carl von Linné in 1753.
Some of the exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History.Visitors will encounter a diverse array of specimens – from bacteria to plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, both fossilised and extant – that bear a Maltese connection through their designation. Through these examples, the exhibition underscores Malta’s rich biodiversity and its significance in the broader context of scientific discovery and classification.
Beyond taxonomy, Melitensis addresses pressing environmental concerns. The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to document and preserve biodiversity amid challenges like climate change and habitat loss.
With daily informed choices each one of us can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of the natural world- Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit
By understanding the importance of nomenclature and classification, the public can better appreciate and protect the world, the agency said.
“Through this exhibition and other initiatives, Heritage Malta aims to foster greater appreciation of the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. Natural heritage is an integral part of our heritage, and we want the public to understand that with daily informed choices each one of us can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the resilience of the natural world,” Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s CEO, said.
The exhibition opened last Saturday and runs till July 6. Opening hours of the National Museum of Natural History are from 9am to 5pm, from Tuesday until Sunday (the museum is closed on Mondays). Entrance to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket.
For more information and updates, visit https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/melitensis/ and follow Heritage Malta on social media platforms.