Animal Migrations and Northern Elephant Seals

The video explores the fascinating migration patterns of northern elephant seals, highlighting their unique ability to navigate long distances while pregnant. Researchers have discovered that these seals may use an internal map or GPS to time their return to breeding beaches. The study suggests that the seals' navigation is not influenced by body fat but rather by the distance from their foraging grounds. The video also discusses potential navigation mechanisms, such as the Earth's geomagnetic field or star positions, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these abilities to gain insights into other animal migrations.

Which animal is known for traveling over 40,000 kilometers during migration?

• Humpback whales

• Arctic terns

• Monarch butterflies

• Northern elephant seals

What is unique about the migration pattern of northern elephant seals?

• They migrate only once a year.

• They are the only known animal to make two migrations in a year.

• They migrate without stopping for food.

• They migrate in groups of thousands.

How far do pregnant northern elephant seals swim during their first migration?

• 5,000 kilometers

• 10,000 kilometers

• 20,000 kilometers

• 40,000 kilometers

What did researchers initially hypothesize about the seals' navigation?

• Seals use the position of the sun.

• Seals have an internal map similar to birds.

• Seals rely on ocean currents.

• Seals follow other animals.

What factor was found to influence the timing of the seals' return to the beach?

• The presence of predators

• The temperature of the water

• The distance from the beach where they foraged

• The amount of body fat stored

What is one potential mechanism that might guide the seals' navigation?

• The scent of the beach

• The sound of waves

• The Earth's geomagnetic field

• The color of the water

What is still unclear about the seals' navigation abilities?

• Whether they use the sun's position

• Whether males and females use the same navigation cues

• Whether they rely on ocean currents

• Whether they follow other animals

What do researchers plan to investigate next about the seals' navigation?

• The impact of human activity

• The environmental cues important for navigation

• The influence of weather patterns

• The role of ocean currents

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• Weather forecasting

• Satellite navigation systems

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• Discounted server maintenance

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