![]() Flocks that number in the tens of thousands, the team notes, can continue to exist despite subsets of birds tending to fly in their own direction for a moment or two - resulting in what they team calls soft edges. In looking at their model simulations, the researchers noted that those flocks intermediate in size tended to be too small for the spread of density waves, yet were too large for directional changes to spread throughout the flock, which they noted, likely accounts for the absence of such flocks in the real world. Suspecting that directional flying might be related to flock size, the researches created different sized flocks that fell into three main categories: large, intermediate and small. In this new effort, the researchers wanted to better understand flying direction in the flock - what causes it to come about and in what ways does it occur? To find out, they created a 3D model using datasets from real starling flocks, allowing for creating flocks of any size. Prior research has found that the birds alter the distance between themselves and others around them based on distance awareness - the result is a flock that moves in ways similar to sound waves. Here is how researchers are making use of wave theory: Rome’s starlings have become “the stuff of legend,” Yirka says, “thanks to tourism and movies” ( Flight, perhaps?). This new approach also explains flock size. At PhysOrg, Bob Yirka reports that they are now using wave theory to try to explain the properties of the flock. The Roman research team mentioned in the film has continued work on the problem. The narrator admits, though, that this idea only offers a “partial explanation” for the ability of half a million birds to turn rapidly and gracefully without colliding. “It’s a bit like fighter pilots… who monitor the position of their nearest neighbor,” Dylan Winter says. The film presents a theory about topological distance that came from research in Rome that monitored the positions of individual birds using a 3D model. One of the unforgettable episodes in Flight is the segment on starling murmurations: enormous flocks that move and turn like a giant organism in the sky. The authors aim to apply the way that the alula works in designing a device that enables the air vehicles to turn better and more efficiently. Haecheon Choi, the corresponding author of the paper. The role of the alula in avian flight is just one example.” says Dr. “ Nature is full of vortices, and the animals and plants use them wisely. It’s the first time researchers have found evidence that “the effect of the alula is due to a small vortex formed at the tip of the alula feathers.” This improves flight aerodynamics, giving the bird better control for sharp turns and steep descents. But with it, they seem to be able to turn more easily.Įxperiments in wind tunnels showed that the alula of a magpie wing creates a tiny vortex that presses the airflow closer to the wing. Of interest is the fact that the alula is not essential birds can land without it. “Why do they use it? How can the tiny feathers help them land softly?” the researchers wanted to know. EurekAlert announces, “One mystery of birds’ flight is solved!” That mystery is why the alula comes into play during steep descents and landings. New details about the alula have come to light, thanks to researchers at Seoul University. What exactly does the alula do to the air flow? A shot of Canada geese landing on a lake demonstrates it in action. This structure “alters the flow of turbulent air over the wing,” providing for a controlled descent and smooth landing. There’s an animation in Flight about the alula, a bone with specialized feathers on the leading edge of the bird’s wing. First, here are several new discoveries that advance the argument for design in birds. More about their latest project in a minute. ![]() Illustra’s documentary Flight: The Genius of Birds came out two years ago, but the team behind the film has not been idle in the meantime.
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