The mystery of the ability to determine the latitude and longitude of migratory birds

According to the information published online in Current Biology - a Cell Press publication, the Eurasian bird caught in the spring migration and released after flying 1,000 km to the east can still go. correct the old route and head to the original destination.

Recent evidence suggests that these birds are capable of orientation, they can identify at least two coordinates corresponding to longitude and geographical latitude. The finding poses a new challenge for some people to think that birds are restricted to north-south orientation. But scientists still don't know how they do it.

Nikita Chernetsov of Rybachy Biological Agency at the Institute of Zoology (Russia) said: 'Through experiments we have shown that intercontinental migratory birds can adjust the direction of east-west migration during their return. back in the spring. That means they can determine the geographical longitude even though we still don't know how they do it. '

Pointed bird.Pointed birds caught during the spring migration and released after flying 1,000 km to the east can still go on the same route and head to their original destination.(Photo: iStockphoto / Iurii Konoval)

Chernetsov explained, latitude locating the north or south position can be easily determined by the position of the sun at noon or through the earth from the earth. Experimental studies conducted by a number of other scientists have strongly suggested that migratory birds have used earth magnetism for this purpose, although other foundations also have can play an important role.

Determining longitude requires more dexterity. It is possible that the migratory birds rely on the rotation of the starry sky to interpret their longitude. But according to Chernetsov, the empirical data do not support this view. Migratory birds can use a sense of double time thanks to two biological clocks inside their bodies: one in the 'home' hour and one in the hour where the cold is avoided. Maybe they are also based on earth magnetism, but some parts of the world have the same longitude.

The researchers wrote: 'Therefore, our knowledge of spatial positioning - the time of spring migratory birds is very scattered and somewhat speculative. Can birds on the way back in the spring be able to locate exactly where a particular place needs to be? '

The answer to the pointy birds is there. After scientists released these birds away from the east side of the kilometer, they could still adjust this shift by changing the direction from northeast (where captured) to northwest. The new direction will take them to the designated breeding ground.

The researchers concluded: 'Our results show that the Eurasian species can determine longitude and orientation based on two coordinates . This is a surprising finding. It also brings a tough challenge for those who study migratory birds, in particular, what makes the birds determine their east-west location? '