TED-Ed: The hidden worlds within natural history museums - Joshua Drew

Natural history museums house vast collections, with only a fraction on display. Behind the scenes, scientists use these collections to make groundbreaking discoveries. For instance, they helped solve the DDT crisis affecting bird populations. Museums have also contributed to sequencing the Neanderthal genome and understanding climate change impacts. These institutions are invaluable for research, offering insights into Earth's past, present, and future.

What percentage of a museum's collection is typically on display to the public?

• 20%

• 10%

• 5%

• 1%

What was the main cause of the thinning eggshells in predatory birds during the 1950s?

• DDT insecticide

• Climate change

• Habitat loss

• Overhunting

Which museum played a crucial role in solving the mystery of thinning eggshells in birds?

• The British Museum

• The Field Museum in Chicago

• The Louvre

• The Smithsonian Institution

What significant discovery was made using museum collections regarding Neanderthals?

• Their diet

• Their genome sequence

• Their migration patterns

• Their extinction cause

How have museum collections helped us understand changes at Walden Pond?

• By analyzing soil composition

• By measuring water levels

• By recording plant blooming times

• By tracking animal migrations