2007-01-24 04:00:06 · 3 answers · asked by inquisitor 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It is very easy and has been simulated on computers with only about two very simple rules.
1. If you are on the edge of the flock/school and you see a predator, fly/swim away from it.
2. If the bird/fish next to you changes direction, change direction to follow it.
That is all you need to do. If you watch closely, you can see the change in direction pass through the flock/school like a very fast ripple. It is not instantaneous but it takes only a very short time.
2007-01-24 07:15:13 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, they dont do it instantly is the answer i guess. it's less like a group of soldiers on parade each instantly turning right or left when the sergeant yells out an order, but more like a case of follow my leader, or in one of those really big swarms, that the guys in the middle each adjusts its position relative to its nearest neighbour.
2007-01-24 05:21:17 · answer #2 · answered by waif 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the same way they fly/swim
2007-01-24 04:08:06 · answer #3 · answered by liam0_m 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋