Sooty Birds Share Dirt on Air Pollution [60 Second Specimens]

Every specimen has a story; these dirty birds helped scientists answer questions about levels of air pollution in the United States over a period of 135 years.

More 60 Second Specimen stories:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL8_5VpX9Txpke4mWgBrsHVgNLeunW-XY

Sources/Articles:
Bird specimens track 135 years of atmospheric black carbon and environmental policy: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2017/10/04/1710239114

The Dirty Secrets Saved in Dead Birds' Feathers -- New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/science/birds-air-pollution.html

'Sooty birds' reveal hidden US air pollution -- BBC http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41557157

Dirty birds show just how catastrophic air pollution used to be -- Washington Post https://wapo.st/2MFIYHZ

Thanks to Ben Marks and Shane DuBay for their help with this video!
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Created by:
Emily Graslie -- Brandon Brungard -- Sheheryar Ahsan
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This episode is filmed at and supported by The Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois.
http://www.fieldmuseum.org
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