E48: Why do ducklings swim in a line behind their mother? [SJK Audio Edition]

Read this article at https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/articles/why-do-ducklings-swim-in-a-line-behind-their-mother/ or watch at https://youtu.be/5mpFCPDto5gSummary: Scientists created a mathematical model to figure out why swimming in a line benefits baby ducks and geese. Abstract: Have you ever seen baby ducks or geese swimming in line behind their mother? They’re so cute! But why do they do that? Is it to keep everyone together? Or is it to make swimming easier for the babies? We wanted to figure out how swimming in a line benefits ducklings. We thought that swimming in a line behind the mother saves energy. Our research made us realize that if the ducklings try to swim in front or to the side of their mother, they need to use more energy. But if they swim behind her, they need less energy. We also learned that it is only easier at certain spots behind the mother. That’s because at these spots the waves created by the mother interact with the waves created by the ducklings. The resulting wave pushes the ducklings forward, saving lots of energy! About us: Science Journal for Kids is a non-profit organization that “translates” academic papers into easy-to-understand science articles for school students. Why? Because children have the right to know about the latest scientific discoveries. #science #article #teach #STEM #students #readaloud #ducklings #waves #dragforces #waveinterference This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencejournalforkids.substack.com