...how is it that when they change directions, they all turn at the same time. I never hear any signal or anything, they just turn. And it's never in a ripple, it's all at once. How do they do that?
2007-02-03 11:11:19 · 4 answers · asked by The Rent Is 2 D@mn High! 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Flocking birds and schooling fish follow two rules
1. If you see a predator, fly/swim away from it.
2. If the bird/fish next to you changes direction, follow it.
It is automatic and can be simulated on a computer. The change of direction of the flock is not instantaneous but it takes only a very short time for the change of direction to occur. It can be slowed down with a camera and you can see the ripple moving through the flock as each bird reacts to its neighbour.
2007-02-03 13:14:25 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They each have Blue Tooth. ROFL Just kidding. Actually, I truly believe it's the air currents that direct them. However, not being a bird flying expert I could be wrong.
2007-02-03 19:20:36 · answer #2 · answered by Fawnice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the wind suddenly changes direction, and they don't have any choice, they have to go with it. It's as if you are all standing on one of those moving walkways in an airport, and it suddenly changes direction, going sideways. Then everybody on it will go sideways too.
2007-02-03 19:27:21 · answer #3 · answered by Gnomon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blinkers?
2007-02-03 19:14:38 · answer #4 · answered by Yahoo Answer Rat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋