2 comments

  • hailwren 1 hour ago
    Am I crazy? This doesn't actually say anything about their guidance system? Just that its "genetic"?

    > In a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Science, researchers have found that a combination of genetics and environment determines where migratory birds fly to for the winter.

    • BetterThanSober 26 minutes ago
      If it is mainly genetic then a bird raised in captivity should be able to track the route somewhat accurately, that's groundbreaking
      • lioeters 3 minutes ago
        I guess the "guidance system" is not located in any organ or individual bird, but as a kind of accumulated collective knowledge. Perhaps the term was misleading, since it's a metaphor relating to a mechanism in individual airplane, rocket, etc. Anyway, fascinating to learn more about these lovely creatures.
  • daneel_w 1 hour ago
    So the Earth's magnetic poles are not involved at all then?
    • magicalhippo 23 minutes ago
      They surely use magnetics ss their compass. This research uncovered the map they're using while traveling, so to speak.