Are you smarter than a 6th grader? This question about the large birds flying in a 'V' formation was on one of my tests in 6th grade animal science. Every body that has been thru 6th grade should know the answer. Are you smarter than a 6th grader, for the second time?
The precise answer is very scientific. It really is not a 'V' as such, just looks that way. There is always an even number of birds in the flock. The lead bird FLIES first and breaks wind for the 2nd two birds and same down the line. The 3rd 2 birds are out further to catch the wind draft so they don't have to fly as hard as the first bird. And etc down the line each row is out a little further in the formation to catch the draft of the birds ahead of them. The last two birds in the formation are not flying they are gliding on the wind currents of the other birds and resting.
About every 15 minutes the lead bird goes to the end of the short line and glides too so it can rest.The bird in the long line goes to the front and leads because it has been resting the longest. The lines alternate. On the way to the front its passengers fly off and hitch a ride with the other birds in that line.
I expect you already know that all small birds don't fly South in the fall because they would be too tired to make such a long trip so they hop on the big birds and nestle in the big birds body for a nice flight. This constant rotation of the formation lasts until the final destination is arrived. The same thing happens on the way North in the spring. Look up hummingbird and find out it travels in the fall and spring.
Really, now isn't that simple? It is not even a trick question. And to think that every one reading this is probably educated beyond the 6th grade. Sometimes if we really study the birds and bees we find that God in all of his creations has taught us lessons we could use in our own lives. Just think how much smarter we are than the birds and bees. GOD DOES PROVIDE!!!
John
3 comments:
I forget to tell you that the whole flock rotates one place counterclockwise while the lead bird goes to the end of the line, but you got to remember I entered the 6th grade still at age ten and that was 65 years ago.
When I saw your comment concerning smaller birds riding on the backs of larger birds, I was surprised because I had never heard that before. I did some research and found out that it's actually not true. Here are some links:
http://tinyurl.com/tl2eu
http://tinyurl.com/bnvd6x
Anthony, What about the rest of the story? Is it true or false?
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