How Animals Receive and Process Information - 4th Grade Science
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The brain is where all information received from the senses is processed.
The brain is where all information received from the senses is processed.
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Animals take in information through their five senses, just like humans. Once the information is received, it is processed for understanding and reaction. The brain is the hub for all processing. The mind will send out messages to the rest of the body with instructions on how to react or behave with the information the five senses collected.
Animals take in information through their five senses, just like humans. Once the information is received, it is processed for understanding and reaction. The brain is the hub for all processing. The mind will send out messages to the rest of the body with instructions on how to react or behave with the information the five senses collected.
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Vipers, pythons, and boas have a special adaptation that allows them to process information uniquely. These snakes can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to a meter away. The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee. Snakes have poor eyesight, so these pits are vital.
Which sentence demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive?
Vipers, pythons, and boas have a special adaptation that allows them to process information uniquely. These snakes can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to a meter away. The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee. Snakes have poor eyesight, so these pits are vital.
Which sentence demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive?
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All of the sentences provide essential information about vipers, pythons, and boas using pits in their heads as infrared radiation sensors. Still, only one demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive. The holes collect the data, but the snakes' brain processes that data into something usable. "The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee." is the sentence that explains how the data is used. An image is built from the information that allows the snake to "see" the figure and decide how to respond.
All of the sentences provide essential information about vipers, pythons, and boas using pits in their heads as infrared radiation sensors. Still, only one demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive. The holes collect the data, but the snakes' brain processes that data into something usable. "The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee." is the sentence that explains how the data is used. An image is built from the information that allows the snake to "see" the figure and decide how to respond.
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Echolocation is a behavior in which animals emit calls and then listen to the echoes that bounce back off of stable things in the environment. This behavior can be used to navigate and to find food or mates. Orcas, dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales are all creatures that use this function to gather information. They release small bursts of air from air sacs in their heads and then through their mouths. This burst of air will make a click or ringing sound. The sound will bounce off an object and return to the whale or dolphin. That information is then transferred to a centralized place (the brain) where it is processed, and the organism responds in ways that will help it survive and reproduce.
Where is the information processed that whales or dolphins receive?
Echolocation is a behavior in which animals emit calls and then listen to the echoes that bounce back off of stable things in the environment. This behavior can be used to navigate and to find food or mates. Orcas, dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales are all creatures that use this function to gather information. They release small bursts of air from air sacs in their heads and then through their mouths. This burst of air will make a click or ringing sound. The sound will bounce off an object and return to the whale or dolphin. That information is then transferred to a centralized place (the brain) where it is processed, and the organism responds in ways that will help it survive and reproduce.
Where is the information processed that whales or dolphins receive?
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Whales and dolphins are such unique animals with this extraordinary characteristic. Echolocation is beneficial to these animals because of the depths at which some of them live. It is dark and hard to see to locate prey, so this adaptation assists them with the task. The information that is collected when the sound returns are processed in the brain. The sounds are made from stored air in the sacs and released through the mouth, but this is for sending out chirps. These animals are mammals and do not have gills. The returning information is processed through the brain.
Whales and dolphins are such unique animals with this extraordinary characteristic. Echolocation is beneficial to these animals because of the depths at which some of them live. It is dark and hard to see to locate prey, so this adaptation assists them with the task. The information that is collected when the sound returns are processed in the brain. The sounds are made from stored air in the sacs and released through the mouth, but this is for sending out chirps. These animals are mammals and do not have gills. The returning information is processed through the brain.
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When animals process information they have received, they often store it for use later as memories. These memories help to influence their future actions.
When animals process information they have received, they often store it for use later as memories. These memories help to influence their future actions.
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This is a true statement. When animals receive information, it is processed through the brain. Many times the brain will store this information as a memory to help with similar situations in the future. An example we may all experience is touching something hot. If I touch a hot stove and burn my hand, I will remember in the future not to touch the hot stove again. This is a way to help ensure survival and the furthering of a species or family group.
This is a true statement. When animals receive information, it is processed through the brain. Many times the brain will store this information as a memory to help with similar situations in the future. An example we may all experience is touching something hot. If I touch a hot stove and burn my hand, I will remember in the future not to touch the hot stove again. This is a way to help ensure survival and the furthering of a species or family group.
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Animals process information to make decisions about how to respond.
Animals process information to make decisions about how to respond.
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This statement is true. Animals receive information by using their five senses, and their brains process what has been taken in to make decisions about how to respond in situations. The nerves and neurons in the brain decipher the information and determine how the data will be stored or used.
This statement is true. Animals receive information by using their five senses, and their brains process what has been taken in to make decisions about how to respond in situations. The nerves and neurons in the brain decipher the information and determine how the data will be stored or used.
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Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
Based on the passage, which of the following sentences best describes how the platypus processes an electrical signal?
Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
Based on the passage, which of the following sentences best describes how the platypus processes an electrical signal?
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The passage explains that platypus use electroreception signals via their bills to locate prey. Their bill may first detect the signal, but their brains must process the signal to then begin their hunt. Remember that the brain processes all information received from the senses.
The passage explains that platypus use electroreception signals via their bills to locate prey. Their bill may first detect the signal, but their brains must process the signal to then begin their hunt. Remember that the brain processes all information received from the senses.
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True or false: A chameleon changing colors is an example of an animal processing information.
True or false: A chameleon changing colors is an example of an animal processing information.
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A chameleon changing colors is a perfect example of the nervous system (brain) at work. When the chameleon’s skin experiences a change in temperature or mood, its brain processes the shift and reacts appropriately by expanding and contracting cells that contain pigment sacs. Just like any other animal, the chameleon is reliant on its mind to process external stimuli.
A chameleon changing colors is a perfect example of the nervous system (brain) at work. When the chameleon’s skin experiences a change in temperature or mood, its brain processes the shift and reacts appropriately by expanding and contracting cells that contain pigment sacs. Just like any other animal, the chameleon is reliant on its mind to process external stimuli.
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True or false: Animals are similar to humans because they both use sense organs to gather information from the environment.
True or false: Animals are similar to humans because they both use sense organs to gather information from the environment.
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The way in which an organism gathers information will depend on the organism and the body structures that pick up signals from the environment. Many animals, like humans, have sense organs that gather information from the environment through seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. Some animals have sensory receptors or other mechanisms that allow them to sense such things as light, temperature, moisture, and movement.
The way in which an organism gathers information will depend on the organism and the body structures that pick up signals from the environment. Many animals, like humans, have sense organs that gather information from the environment through seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. Some animals have sensory receptors or other mechanisms that allow them to sense such things as light, temperature, moisture, and movement.
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Why is it important that the animals’ brains process and store information?
Why is it important that the animals’ brains process and store information?
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Animals rely on their abilities to use sensory programs to stay alive. Their brains process information quickly to help them hunt, stay alive, and reproduce. Animals’ brains, like humans’, store information so they can also reference learned behaviors when similar scenarios arise and make decisions quickly.
Animals rely on their abilities to use sensory programs to stay alive. Their brains process information quickly to help them hunt, stay alive, and reproduce. Animals’ brains, like humans’, store information so they can also reference learned behaviors when similar scenarios arise and make decisions quickly.
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Which of the following is an example of a type of information an animal may process?
Which of the following is an example of a type of information an animal may process?
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Animals process many different types of information. Snakes, for example, can process infrared radiation to assist in hunting. Chameleons process changes in temperature, and their skin changes colors accordingly. Platypus can detect electric signals using their bills to find prey in the mud.
Animals process many different types of information. Snakes, for example, can process infrared radiation to assist in hunting. Chameleons process changes in temperature, and their skin changes colors accordingly. Platypus can detect electric signals using their bills to find prey in the mud.
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Some species of moths drop to the ground when they hear a bat's echolocation chirp. If you go outside at night with a flashlight, the moths will flock to the light. You can shake a set of keys and observe many of the moths falling to the ground. This defense is to get out of the path of the bat, so they are not eaten.
What is this adaptation an example of?
Some species of moths drop to the ground when they hear a bat's echolocation chirp. If you go outside at night with a flashlight, the moths will flock to the light. You can shake a set of keys and observe many of the moths falling to the ground. This defense is to get out of the path of the bat, so they are not eaten.
What is this adaptation an example of?
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Over many years animals develop adaptations as a species to help them survive, mate, and reproduce. Animals collect information from their surroundings, process the data, and as in this example, they respond to it. This reaction to the bat's echolocation chirp is a response that the brain sends out once if processes that the bat is nearby. If animals did not respond to the nearby danger, they would be at risk for injury or being eaten.
Over many years animals develop adaptations as a species to help them survive, mate, and reproduce. Animals collect information from their surroundings, process the data, and as in this example, they respond to it. This reaction to the bat's echolocation chirp is a response that the brain sends out once if processes that the bat is nearby. If animals did not respond to the nearby danger, they would be at risk for injury or being eaten.
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Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
How does the platypus respond to the information it receives based on the passage?
Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
How does the platypus respond to the information it receives based on the passage?
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The platypus is an odd and unusual creature. It is only one of five mammals that lay eggs, it is semi-aquatic, billed, and has 40,000 receptors to detect electrical signals. These animals collect information from the environment around them and process what is received. Once the information is obtained, it has to be responded to or reacted to. The platypus will move its head side-to-side to narrow down the exact location of its prey. They can gauge how far away it is and which direction to travel. This is how the platypus can effectively track down its next meal.
The platypus is an odd and unusual creature. It is only one of five mammals that lay eggs, it is semi-aquatic, billed, and has 40,000 receptors to detect electrical signals. These animals collect information from the environment around them and process what is received. Once the information is obtained, it has to be responded to or reacted to. The platypus will move its head side-to-side to narrow down the exact location of its prey. They can gauge how far away it is and which direction to travel. This is how the platypus can effectively track down its next meal.
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Wolves have an incredible sense of smell used for hunting, marking territories, social relationships, and more. Wolves are territorial animals that mark the areas in which their pack resides. Every 100 yards or so, the dominant wolves will mark their territory to make other packs aware they are present. A wolf can smell another animal from up to almost two miles downwind. When wolves smell each other, scientists think they can tell the gender, age, and even if the other animal is sick. A wolves' sense of smell is said to be 100 times greater than that of a human. Once all this information is collected and processed, a wolf must respond to what it smells.
In what way might wolves respond if it smells the scent of a rival pack?
Wolves have an incredible sense of smell used for hunting, marking territories, social relationships, and more. Wolves are territorial animals that mark the areas in which their pack resides. Every 100 yards or so, the dominant wolves will mark their territory to make other packs aware they are present. A wolf can smell another animal from up to almost two miles downwind. When wolves smell each other, scientists think they can tell the gender, age, and even if the other animal is sick. A wolves' sense of smell is said to be 100 times greater than that of a human. Once all this information is collected and processed, a wolf must respond to what it smells.
In what way might wolves respond if it smells the scent of a rival pack?
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Wolves are fierce animals that respond to information like scents through reflexes and learned behaviors. The main goal of the pack is to stick together and survive. Wolves may do any of the things mentioned in the answer choices if they smell a rival pack's scent in their territory. Wolves may fight, re-mark, or leave the area. Wolves can smell the age and even approximate size of another wolf based on the scent, so if there are more wolves or stronger wolves in the rival pack, they may choose not to engage because it is too risky. Wolves use these scent markers to learn about their packmates, enemies, and surroundings.
Wolves are fierce animals that respond to information like scents through reflexes and learned behaviors. The main goal of the pack is to stick together and survive. Wolves may do any of the things mentioned in the answer choices if they smell a rival pack's scent in their territory. Wolves may fight, re-mark, or leave the area. Wolves can smell the age and even approximate size of another wolf based on the scent, so if there are more wolves or stronger wolves in the rival pack, they may choose not to engage because it is too risky. Wolves use these scent markers to learn about their packmates, enemies, and surroundings.
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How do animals use their perceptions and memories to make decisions?
How do animals use their perceptions and memories to make decisions?
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Information that was collected in the past about situations and surroundings is stored in the brain as memories for use later on. If an animal is in a similar situation later in their life, they may recall what previously took place so they can choose an appropriate response. Animals respond to situations based on reflexes and learned behaviors. If a juvenile lion watches the rest of the pride hunt, it will learn the techniques and practices needed to be successful in the future when it joins the group.
Information that was collected in the past about situations and surroundings is stored in the brain as memories for use later on. If an animal is in a similar situation later in their life, they may recall what previously took place so they can choose an appropriate response. Animals respond to situations based on reflexes and learned behaviors. If a juvenile lion watches the rest of the pride hunt, it will learn the techniques and practices needed to be successful in the future when it joins the group.
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Animals are not able to use their perceptions and memories to respond to situations.
Animals are not able to use their perceptions and memories to respond to situations.
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This statement is false. Animals do use their memories and perceptions to help them respond to situations. If an animal has been bitten or injured, it will remember that encounter and avoid that same dangerous place or animals. Older chimpanzees will teach the young monkeys about snakes and how dangerous they are. They will show them how to holler and hit them with sticks to scare them off. The babies remember this and not only apply it to their own life, but they teach it to their offspring too.
This statement is false. Animals do use their memories and perceptions to help them respond to situations. If an animal has been bitten or injured, it will remember that encounter and avoid that same dangerous place or animals. Older chimpanzees will teach the young monkeys about snakes and how dangerous they are. They will show them how to holler and hit them with sticks to scare them off. The babies remember this and not only apply it to their own life, but they teach it to their offspring too.
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Meerkats are animals that live in “clans” or “mobs” with a range of 20 to 50 members. They are great at digging and can have as many as five burrows for their clans to live and sleep in. Each clan has a sentry, or guard, who watches for predators while other meerkats search for food. Their excellent eyesight allows them to see very clearly to avoid both ground and aerial attacks. When the sentry becomes aware of an impending attack, it uses a series of whistles or barks to inform the mob of the threat’s urgency.
Based on the passage, if a sentry were to spot an eagle overhead, which of the following would MOST LIKELY be its response?
Meerkats are animals that live in “clans” or “mobs” with a range of 20 to 50 members. They are great at digging and can have as many as five burrows for their clans to live and sleep in. Each clan has a sentry, or guard, who watches for predators while other meerkats search for food. Their excellent eyesight allows them to see very clearly to avoid both ground and aerial attacks. When the sentry becomes aware of an impending attack, it uses a series of whistles or barks to inform the mob of the threat’s urgency.
Based on the passage, if a sentry were to spot an eagle overhead, which of the following would MOST LIKELY be its response?
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Because the job of a sentry is to guard the meerkat clan, if a sentry were to see an eagle overhead, the most reasonable answer choices would be to either alert the mob of danger or attack the predator, allowing you to eliminate the other two options. According to the passage, sentries use whistles and barks to tell the mob when there is a potential danger in the area. There is no mention of attacking predators; therefore, alerting the mob of danger is the correct response.
Because the job of a sentry is to guard the meerkat clan, if a sentry were to see an eagle overhead, the most reasonable answer choices would be to either alert the mob of danger or attack the predator, allowing you to eliminate the other two options. According to the passage, sentries use whistles and barks to tell the mob when there is a potential danger in the area. There is no mention of attacking predators; therefore, alerting the mob of danger is the correct response.
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The sentry’s response to danger by a bark or whistle is intended for which of the following?
The sentry’s response to danger by a bark or whistle is intended for which of the following?
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The job of the sentry is to protect the mob, so its responses to potential danger by barking or whistling are intended for survival of the clan. The text has no mention of hunting, fighting, or reproduction - only alerting the mob of impending danger.
The job of the sentry is to protect the mob, so its responses to potential danger by barking or whistling are intended for survival of the clan. The text has no mention of hunting, fighting, or reproduction - only alerting the mob of impending danger.
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Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
Based on the passage, how would the platypus MOST LIKELY respond if two electrical signals were being produced in different intensities?
Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
Based on the passage, how would the platypus MOST LIKELY respond if two electrical signals were being produced in different intensities?
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The passage explains how the platypus uses electroreception to find prey in the mud. Two answer choices are immediately incorrect: “The platypus would contract its muscles to determine if the signals are prey” because the prey is giving off signals due to muscle contractions - not the platypus, and “The platypus would lose sight of the prey due to it being in the mud” because electroreception allows the platypus to “see” despite the mud. If the platypus detected two signals of differing intensities, it would most likely begin hunting the more intense signal as that would be the easier prey to hunt in the mud due to proximity rather than the less intense signal.
The passage explains how the platypus uses electroreception to find prey in the mud. Two answer choices are immediately incorrect: “The platypus would contract its muscles to determine if the signals are prey” because the prey is giving off signals due to muscle contractions - not the platypus, and “The platypus would lose sight of the prey due to it being in the mud” because electroreception allows the platypus to “see” despite the mud. If the platypus detected two signals of differing intensities, it would most likely begin hunting the more intense signal as that would be the easier prey to hunt in the mud due to proximity rather than the less intense signal.
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In the 1960s and 70s, Konrad Lorenz studied the animal response of imprinting. Imprinting allows animals to find their mothers and follow her. It is common in animals like chicks or geese since baby birds don’t know who their mother is when they hatch. They typically imprint on the first moving object they see, which in most cases, is their mother, but sometimes is not - resulting in an incorrect imprint. This survival skill allows babies to stay safe and close to their mothers.
Suppose a duck’s egg hatched while the mother was away gathering food, and a child walked by the nest. According to the text, what would the baby duck’s response be in this situation?
In the 1960s and 70s, Konrad Lorenz studied the animal response of imprinting. Imprinting allows animals to find their mothers and follow her. It is common in animals like chicks or geese since baby birds don’t know who their mother is when they hatch. They typically imprint on the first moving object they see, which in most cases, is their mother, but sometimes is not - resulting in an incorrect imprint. This survival skill allows babies to stay safe and close to their mothers.
Suppose a duck’s egg hatched while the mother was away gathering food, and a child walked by the nest. According to the text, what would the baby duck’s response be in this situation?
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Because the first moving object the baby duck saw upon hatching was the child walking by the nest, the duck would likely incorrectly imprint on the child. While the text says mothers are typically the first moving objects hatchlings see, when this is not the case, the baby bird will instinctively imprint on whatever it sees moving to survive.
Because the first moving object the baby duck saw upon hatching was the child walking by the nest, the duck would likely incorrectly imprint on the child. While the text says mothers are typically the first moving objects hatchlings see, when this is not the case, the baby bird will instinctively imprint on whatever it sees moving to survive.
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If you’ve ever visited a beach, you may have seen an area of sand staked off with caution tape and a warning about disrupting sea turtle nests. We often don’t see sea turtle hatchlings in action because they usually hatch at night. When the hatchlings emerge, they work their way across the sandy beaches to the ocean, using the moon as their guide. Sometimes, other light sources can disorient the sea turtles, harming their chances of survival.
Suppose a nest of sea turtles began to hatch on an area of beach near a hotel. What would the hatchlings’ responses MOST LIKELY be if the hotel had lights shining toward the shore?
If you’ve ever visited a beach, you may have seen an area of sand staked off with caution tape and a warning about disrupting sea turtle nests. We often don’t see sea turtle hatchlings in action because they usually hatch at night. When the hatchlings emerge, they work their way across the sandy beaches to the ocean, using the moon as their guide. Sometimes, other light sources can disorient the sea turtles, harming their chances of survival.
Suppose a nest of sea turtles began to hatch on an area of beach near a hotel. What would the hatchlings’ responses MOST LIKELY be if the hotel had lights shining toward the shore?
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Because turtle hatchlings have the instinctive response to travel toward moonlight, light pollution from a hotel would potentially cause the turtles to travel in the wrong direction, harming their chances of survival. The type or brightness of the moon does not affect a turtle’s ability to follow it while competing light sources create disorientation that the turtles don’t know how to adjust to.
Because turtle hatchlings have the instinctive response to travel toward moonlight, light pollution from a hotel would potentially cause the turtles to travel in the wrong direction, harming their chances of survival. The type or brightness of the moon does not affect a turtle’s ability to follow it while competing light sources create disorientation that the turtles don’t know how to adjust to.
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