Established in 1914, Invertebrate Zoology is one of the oldest departments in the Academy, representing more than 160 years of scientific research. In combining with the Department of Geology in 1982, it became home not only to the most diverse collections in the Academy—encompassing an enormous range specimens and strengths—but to a robust staff of curators, researchers, collection managers, students, and more. Through field and lab work, multi-disciplinary expeditions, and scientific publications, our scientists rigorously advance knowledge in their areas of expertise. From octocorals and opisthobranch mollusks to echinoderms and paleontology, our work—and the collections we maintain—is a vital piece of the Academy's overall efforts to explore, explain, and sustain life on Earth.