tpo 49

The reading states that humpback whales can migrate long distances by navigating by the stars. However, the professor disagrees with this idea and presents some evidence to refute it.
First, the reading suggests that humpback whales are intelligent because their brains have a high degree of complexity, so they can use stars to navigate. However, the professor refutes this by saying there is no connection between intelligence and navigating ability. For example, some birds like ducks, can navigate and find their destination, but they just have general cognition ability.

Second, the reading states that if whales want to move in a straight direction for a long time, they have to orient themselves by external objects or forces. They need landmarks to help them stay on track as they migrate. Therefore, whales rely on stars to provide them with external signs to keep the right direction. The professor cast doubt on this idea by saying that whales have bio magnetite in their brains and can use it to find their path with the help of the earth's magnetic field.

Third, the reading claims that humpback whales sometimes go above the water and look upward. This behavior is not common among other marine animals. So, this behavior represents whales looking at the stars to find the information to navigate. The professor dismisses this because other animals, which do not migrate, also have this behavior. For example, sharks get their heads out of the water to hunt their prey. In addition, whales get outside the ocean during the day, which is not happening just at night. As a result, this behavior is not related to looking at stars.