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Description
Many birds migrate vast distances between their winter and summer homes. They perform feats of navigation that for us would be impossible without the aid of maps and a compass. How do they know whi...ch direction to fly in? It's a question thta has baffled scientists for a long time. In this programme we uncover some of the most recent research in this field. It is now becoming clear that birds and other animals that navigate, make use of a complex array of references, including such diverse phenomena as the sun, stars, magnetic fields, polarised light and smells. We look at some ingenious experiments on birds at the University of Albany and on newts at the University of Cornell, New York State.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: S324, Animal physiology
Item code: S324; 10
First transmission date: 14-09-1985
Published: 1985
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:25:00
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Producer: Aileen Llewellyn
Contributors: Kathleen Adler; John Philips
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Birds; Magnetic fields; Migration; Newts; Polarised light; Radar; Smells; Sparrows; Stars; Sun
Subject terms: Animal migration; Animal navigation; Animal orientation
Master spool number: HOU4566
Production number: FOUS295T
Videofinder number: 1846
Available to public: no