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It is controversial how humpback
whales migrate long distances. The speaker makes points against the author's
claims.
First, the author argues that
humpback whales seem to be intelligent enough to use stars to navigate by. The
reading further explains that a sound basis for the ability to use a complex
system of sensory stimuli is provided by their well-developed cognitive
ability. This is opposed by the lecture's claim that there is no association
between humpback whales' intelligence and their cognitive ability. The speaker
mentions that ducks have average intelligence among other animals but still
they can navigate successfully. The lecture insists that they use their
instinct rather than their intelligence.
Second, the passage insists that
humpback whales migrate in straight directions by orienting themselves to stars
at night maintaining direction over long distances. This differs from the
professor's position that the only existing external force on earth is magnetic
field. The speaker argues that humpback whales rely on their bio magnitied
which is sensitive to magnetic field on earth not star.
Finally, the author asserts that humpback whales' spy-hopping
behavior that the whales are looking at the stars, offer them information to
navigate by. The passage also explains that this behavior is rare among marine
animals. This is contradicted by the lecture's contention that other animals
such as sharks show spy-hopping behavior but they do neither migrate nor look
star. The professor further contends that humpback whales' spy-hopping behavior
also is shown even when there is no stars. |