科学家研究发现鸽子脑内有与生俱来的空间图_BEC初级作文

科学家研究发现鸽子脑内有与生俱来的空间图

The mystery of how a pigeon can always find its way back home has finally been solved.

Scientists believe that pigeons have a spatial map that allows them to fly in an unfamiliar territory and know exactly where they are going.

The finding replaces the current theory that pigeons compare the coordinates of their location with those of the home loft and then systematically reduce the difference between the two to find their way home.

This earlier theory likens the navigation of pigeons to that of flying robots.

But experiments carried out at the University of Zurich have shown that pigeons possess cognitive capabilities.

科学家研究发现鸽子脑内有与生俱来的空间图1

In unknown areas, the scientists claim pigeons recognise where they are in relation to their home loft and are able to choose their targets themselves.

Homing pigeons and migratory birds determine their flight direction with the help of the Earth’s magnetic field, the stars and the position of the sun.

Nicole Blaser, a doctoral student in biology at the University of Zurich proposed the theory that pigeons have a spatial understanding and knowledge of their position in space relative to their home loft.

This theory presupposes a type of mental map in their brain and thus cognitive capabilities. Up until now, there has not been any clear evidence to support this.