Below is a graph presented in a scientific paper on flight energetics in African

Question

Below is a graph presented in a scientific paper on flight energetics in African Great Pelicans that are gliding by themselves flapping by themselves at different heights, or travelling in a V formation. (10 MARKS)

What is the wingbeat frequency (in wingbeats per minute) of a pelican leading the V formation?

What is the most efficient and what is the least efficient method of flight for a pelican and how did you conclude this from the data?

This work is based on optimality theory if the:

Authors expected that pelicans would, when possible, fly at maximum efficiency

Fitness benefit (B) derived from flying in a V formation exceeds the cost (C) of the behavior. (Remember that an adaptation is not a trait whose B is greater than C but instead must have the best B/C ratio)

Authors had tested the prediction that other large flock-forming birds would fly in V formations under some conditions.

Authors believed that every aspect of pelican behavior was an adaption, that is an ideal solution to an environmental problem

The statement “pelicans at the front of the V are expected to be low-ranking birds unable to displace physically superior rivals from the higher energy-saving sots in the formation” is what? (a hypothesis or a prediction or a test a scientific conclusion) and why?

What does the finding that Brown Pelicans also fly in V formation suggest: convergent evolution or divergent evolution or the comparative method or the effects of shared ancestry? Explain

Explanation / Answer

1) 1st pelican - 80bpm

2nd pelican - 60bpm

3rd pelican - 45bpm

4th peliccan - 25 bpm

5th pelican - 45bpm

6th pelican - 50bpm

2) least efficient method would be to fly at 50m alone. Because the wing beat frequency and heart rate both are highest.

3) The hypothesis is wrong since the first bird in formation has to do most of the work and has to experience higher heart beat and wing beat hence is not the weakest bird in formation

4) This suggests divergent evolution.

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