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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. Good (24–30)
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