GPS tracks "roller coaster" geese migration over Himalayas
Migrating between Mongolia and China through the highest landmass in the world— the Himalayan Mountains—the bar-headed goose is an avian anomaly, flying at extreme altitudes of up to 23,000 feet (7,000m) where there is less than 10% oxygen found at sea level.
Led by researchers from Bangor University (BU), a team set out to understand this seemingly impossible feat. In the study, lead author Dr. Charles Bishop claims these feats may represent “the limit” of the capability of birds today.
“They have found a way to cross the world’s longest and highest land mass—over 500km [300 miles]—relatively easily. They don’t train or acclimatize,” Bishop states. “They could walk on the top of Everest and have no problem at all.”
During the study, researchers used GPS trackers and implanted devices, recording acceleration, altitude, body temperature and heart rates of seven bar-head geese. The devices provided data for scientists to track their apparent “rollercoaster” flight pattern and understand the birds’ energy use at such altitudes.
“When we looked at the heart rate, [it was] going up with altitude quite quickly. So flying high is really difficult,” Bishop said. “When we calculated what it would be like if they went up to 6,000m and stayed there, that was more expensive than hugging the ground.”
Adding on to their energetic achievements, Bishop found that while the geese do not seem to benefit from tail winds, they take advantage of the wind coming off the mountain ridges to gain lift when flying. However, the biggest question is the incessant flapping of their wings.
“They never stop flapping their wings,” he said. “And one or two [of the flights we tracked] were up to 17 hours long.”
Since flapping is an energy-intensive action, effectively flying for that long duration at such extreme altitudes sans large amounts of oxygen, the researchers were impressed.
These researchers and biologists alike hope to one day understand the genetics behind the bar-headed geese and discover what makes these birds able to perform such physiological feats.
—–
Follow redOrbit on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
redOrbit.com
offers Science, Space, Technology, Health news, videos, images and
reference information. For the latest science news, space news,
technology news, health news visit redOrbit.com frequently. Learn
something new every day.”
Source: http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1113316132/researchers-use-gps-to-track-roller-coaster-geese-migration-over-himalayas-011715/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
