Air Pollution Insights from Bird Specimens

Researchers at the Field Museum, Shane Dubay and Carl Fuldner, used bird specimens to study air pollution over 135 years. During the Industrial Revolution, black carbon from coal factories polluted the air, and soot particles were trapped in birds' feathers. By analyzing these particles, scientists tracked historical pollution levels. They found that early 20th-century regulations were ineffective, but later enforcement improved air quality, as evidenced by cleaner bird feathers.

What was the primary focus of the research conducted by Shane Dubay and Carl Fuldner?

• Analyzing air pollution through bird specimens

• Investigating bird nesting habits

• Studying bird migration patterns

• Examining the diet of birds

How did the researchers use bird feathers to study air pollution?

• By measuring the length of the feathers

• By counting the number of feathers

• By analyzing the color of the feathers

• By examining the carbon particles trapped in the feathers

What did the comparison of birds from different time periods reveal?

• Variations in air pollution levels

• Changes in bird species

• Differences in bird sizes

• A decrease in bird population

What was the relationship between early 20th-century air pollution and coal consumption?

• Air pollution was only affected by natural factors

• Air pollution decreased with increased coal consumption

• Air pollution was unrelated to coal consumption

• Air pollution increased with high coal consumption

How did the enforcement of clean air regulations affect carbon levels on birds?

• Carbon levels increased

• Carbon levels remained the same

• Carbon levels fluctuated randomly

• Carbon levels decreased

What role did the EPA play in the study's findings?

• The EPA focused on water pollution

• The EPA had no impact on air quality

• The EPA increased carbon emissions

• The EPA's regulations helped improve air quality