Isthmus

The Panama Canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama.

The massive excavations for the canal expansion have resulted in a series of paleontological and archeological finds, which have kept Smithsonian scientists busy. The discoveries, mostly on the Atlantic side, include fossils and pre-Columbian artifacts. Scientists say some of the fossil remains could change prevailing theories about the geologic evolution of the Isthmus of Panama.

The Isthmus of Chignecto connects Nova Scotia with New Brunswick and the rest of North America.