Resource: The Pigeon Express
Media Type:
QuickTime VR Video
Length: 2m 34s
Size: 6.9 MB
Decades of research has been dedicated to the impressive navigation skills of homing pigeons. To explain how these pigeons are able to find their way home from unfamiliar, distant sites, scientists have arrived at various theories. These include the ideas that pigeons have a "map sense" that helps them follow roads, a solar compass and/or an ability to detect and use the earth's magnetic field. In this video segment from Nature, learn how homing pigeons are used as couriers by business owner Dave Costlow.
Alternate Media Available:
Transcript (Rich Text Format Document)
Loading reviews...Teachers' Domain, The Pigeon Express, published November 18, 2008, retrieved on ,
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/nat08.living.reg.adapt.express/
- Background Essay
- Questions for Discussion
- Standards
Print Background EssayAs hummingbirds and other bird species evolved over time, they developed a variety of traits and skills beneficial to both the birds themselves and to the continuation of their species. The vast array of hummingbird species is an example of the result of these evolutionary processes. Certain birds have developed beaks allowing them to feed at particular flowers, others have cultivated brightly colored plumage, and yet others are known for the exceptional skills at navigation. Many highly skilled bird behaviors are innate - certain bird species are born with these abilities, as is the case of the homing pigeon’s innate homing ability. Scientists often do not know how these skills have been acquired in the population, except to note that these traits became advantageous for the birds as their populations evolved in their respective environments.
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See Also:
K-12 Subject:
Adaptation
Lesson Plans Using this Resource:
Source: Nature: "Extraordinary Birds"
Resource Produced by:
Collection Developed by:
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Major corporate support for the Nature collection was provided by Canon U.S.A. and SC Johnson. Additional support was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the nation’s public television stations.