Flamingo Behavior and Stability Study

The video explores why flamingos stand on one leg, debunking the heat conservation theory. It highlights a study using both cadavers and live flamingos, revealing that their unique joint structure allows them to stand with minimal effort. The episode concludes with a focus on the physics of flamingo joints and a promotion for Brilliant's educational courses.

What is a common feature of both real and plastic flamingos?

• They both stand on one leg.

• They both have two legs.

• They are both blue.

• They both have feathers.

What was the initial belief about why flamingos stand on one leg?

• To avoid predators.

• To conserve heat.

• To look taller.

• To attract mates.

Why did researchers reconsider the heat conservation hypothesis for flamingos?

• Flamingos have no blood vessels in their legs.

• Flamingos prefer to stand on two legs.

• Birds have a natural way to conserve heat without standing on one leg.

• Flamingos are not affected by temperature.

What unusual method did scientists use to study flamingo stability?

• They observed flamingos in the wild.

• They used robotic flamingos.

• They propped up dead flamingos.

• They used computer simulations.

What did the experiment with dead flamingos reveal about their ability to stand on one leg?

• It is due to their feathers.

• It is based on gravity and joint locking.

• It requires a lot of muscle power.

• It is impossible for dead flamingos.

How did researchers test their findings on live flamingos?

• By observing them in zoos.

• By using force plates.

• By measuring their heart rate.

• By tracking their migration.

What did the force plate data reveal about live flamingos?

• They are extremely stable on one leg.

• They use a lot of energy to stand.

• They prefer to sit down.

• They are unstable on one leg.

What is the main reason flamingos stand on one leg according to the study?

• To avoid predators.

• To communicate with other birds.

• To conserve water.

• To save energy.

What subject does the video ultimately connect the flamingo study to?

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

• Physics

What educational resource is mentioned at the end of the video?

• edX

• Coursera

• Khan Academy

• Brilliant