2006-09-04 21:55:10 · 11 answers · asked by stedwards 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
how do we know they can't? Did anybody tell the butterfly to fly in a straight line?
2006-09-04 23:07:38 · answer #1 · answered by mr_mayat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it's like a vehicle. The power. size, and distribution ratio is what throws them off. Their wings are enormous for their small size and the power created by them over powers their direction. If you notice most insects, birds and such creatures that fly straight according to you , are actually gliding with an occasional flap to propel themselves.. In order for the flight to be straight the size of the wingspan must be smaller to accommodate size and power distribution. A hummingbird can flight straight because it has smaller wings, just like a small bird. The butterfly weighs pretty much nothing so a flap will not only propel it further up but forward as well. Now if it wanted to it could glide but it wouldn't last long. The wings are straight and flat with no way of holding the incoming air under to be able to navigate and keep the forward motion... hope this helps..
2006-09-04 22:13:25 · answer #2 · answered by RICK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because forward propulsion / lift is provided by their wings, which are not equal in area, thus providing differing rates of propulsion / lift and a seemingly 'erratic' flight pattern / course.
2006-09-04 22:03:55 · answer #3 · answered by Arthur P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe their wings are too fragile against the wind currents in the air, so they dart about to avoid getting ripped to shreds!?
2006-09-05 00:15:05 · answer #4 · answered by paradisefound1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried flying straight in this bloody wind...!?
2006-09-05 07:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by Old Man of Coniston!. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Natural Selection. Makes it harder for predators to catch them.
2006-09-04 22:00:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
who says they cant, but butterflies are gay
2006-09-04 21:59:32 · answer #7 · answered by FLeX_BoZaCK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They just can't. There really is no reason. It's just "natural".
2006-09-04 22:05:10 · answer #8 · answered by Rina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure, if they keep off the bottle
2006-09-04 22:00:22 · answer #9 · answered by championis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they drunk on all the nectre they drink
2006-09-06 03:02:35 · answer #10 · answered by bojomarriott 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋