New Research Sheds Light on Monarch Navigation
Each group of butterflies behaved as their internal clocks told them to!
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Control Group: The butterflies in the control group, whose internal clocks were on time, flew towards Mexico in a southwesterly direction, just as expected.
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"Early" Group: The butterflies in the “clock advanced” group (whose internal clocks were 6 hours early) went southeast. Even though it was early, the sun was where it should have been late in the day. Essentially, east seemed like west. They flew at the angle to the sun they should fly, according to the time of day they thought it was.
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"Late" Group: The butterflies in the “clock delayed” group (whose internal clocks were 6 hours late) went northwest. They also flew at the angle to the sun they should fly, according to the time of day they thought it was. Even though it was late, the sun was where it should have been early in the day. Essentially, west seemed like east They flew at the angle to the sun they should fly, according to the time of day they thought it was.)
Monarchs use the sun to orient. But the sun was NOT where it should have been, based on the time their internal clocks said it was. The monarchs used information from the sun and their misguided clocks to orient. This is why then went in the wrong direction.
“This is exactly what the ‘time compensated sun-compass’ would predict,” said Dr. Frost.
1. For background information about biological clocks see: Tick Tock Biological Clock
2. For Your Journal: What would happen if your biological clock were shifted by 6 hours?
EARLY: If someone changed your biological clock ahead by 6 hours, what would be happening at school if you arrived 6 hours early?LATE: If your biological clock were behind by 6 hours, what would be taking place if you arrived at school 6 hours late?
3. Explore these links about research into the puzzle of monarch navigation. Read carefully, however, remember Dr. Calvert's precautions.
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