Problem 1 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Which of the following statements about animal migration is true? a. Piloting animals use the position of the sun to acquire information about their direction of travel. b. Animals migrating by compass orientation use mental maps of their position in space. c. Navigating animals use familiar landmarks to guide their journey. d. Navigating animals use a compass and a mental map of their position to reach a destination. e. Most migrating birds use olfactory cues to return to the place where they hatched from eggs.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct statement about animal migration is 'd'. Navigating animals use a compass and a mental map of their position to reach a destination.

Step 1: Understanding Terminology

First, understand the terminology used in the options. 'Piloting' refers to navigation by recognizing familiar landmarks. 'Compass orientation' means navigation based on the Earth's magnetic field. 'Navigation' in general refers to the ability to move towards a specific destination, which can involve a combination of different methods.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Statement

Evaluate each statement based on the given definitions. With 'a', piloting animals do not necessarily use the position of the sun for direction. With 'b', compass orientation doesn't necessarily involve mental maps. With 'c', navigating animals might use familiar landmarks, which is defined as 'piloting'. With 'd', this is a comprehensive definition of navigation including both compass orientation and mental maps. With 'e', not most birds use olfactory cues for migration, it's species-specific.

Step 3: Determine the Correct Statement

The correct statement is 'd'. Navigating animals use a combination of methods (compass and mental map) to reach their destination.