The Geese in the V
Written by Studio AM.
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In northern autumn, many migrating geese travel south in flocks. Look up, and you may see them in a clear V shape, one long arm on each side. This shape is not for show. Flying in a suitable formation can reduce the energy some birds use.
As each goose flaps, its wings push the air and leave a small rising current behind. The goose just behind and to the side rides on that current, so it does not have to work as hard. Only the lead goose, at the point of the V, gets no such help.
Experienced birds can take turns leading the flock. A bird moving back from the front may benefit from another bird’s rising air current. In this way, no single bird carries the whole load, and the flock can fly many hundreds of miles together.
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Questions
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Question 1 of 4
What is the main idea of the passage?
The answer is A: Geese fly in a V and take turns leading to save energy
The passage explains that the V shape and turn-taking save the geese energy.
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Question 2 of 4
According to the text, which goose gets no help from the current?
The answer is B: The lead goose at the point of the V
The text says "only the lead goose, at the point of the V, gets no such help."
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Question 3 of 4
How can changing the lead bird help share the effort?
The answer is B: Different birds occupy the front, where there is no bird ahead to provide the same help.
The lead position lacks the benefit from a preceding bird’s air current. Changing leaders distributes time in that position.
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Question 4 of 4
In this passage, "flocks" most nearly means
The answer is B: large groups of birds
"Great flocks of geese rise into the sky," so a flock is a large group of birds.
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