2007-01-12 05:11:24 · 3 answers · asked by bionic_foot 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
They are simply following the leader. Then the leader makes a move the group quickly responds because it may mean that danger is ahead. They just do it so quickly it looks as if they all did it simultaneously. There is your short answer.
Unlike humans they don't seem to get bored and stop paying attention.
Explanation:
They are not barking audible commands like "left turn... NOW" or anything. This is why you can split a school of fish in to two separate schools by being in the middle, the ones in the front see you and swim away from you and the others just follow. If they were following anything other than the thing in front of them the fish that originally broke off to the right when commanded to go left would head into danger.
Like I said, all it is is a game of follow the leader.
2007-01-12 05:14:54 · answer #1 · answered by Beef 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its more involved than just follow the leader. There is an internal program for flock and school individuals that helps them from coming into contact with others in their group.
The most easily read explanation is not fact, but the author is usually pretty good about getting his facts strait.
Read Michael Criton's "Predator". It gives a really good explanation of how flocks of birds can fly together without colliding.
2007-01-12 06:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by biosciguy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they all follow a leader who moves just before the rest of them
2007-01-12 05:19:55 · answer #3 · answered by Pastvarient 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋