Tagged: flight

Honeybees: Control of Flight Speed

Honeybees are interesting creatures. They are social and cooperative insects that work together in a harmonized environment. Honeybees are hardworking creatures, pollinating our flowers and creating honey that humans crave. But how are such small and busy insects able to control their flight while being able to dodge obstacles? It has been determined that honeybees […]

Variable-Geometry Wings

If you have ever sat in a window seat on a plane, you might have noticed the flaps, spoilers, aileron, and slats (as seen here: Plane Parts) moving throughout the flight, during takeoff, and especially landing. These features are the results of engineers attempting to mimic the wings of birds, like the wings of the […]

Flight Dynamics of Dragonflies

The dragonfly is one of natures most impressive flyers. Some can fly at speeds up to 35 mph, can decelerate from 35-0 mph in less than a second, and fly backwards. They are extremely agile and can make dramatic lateral movements in the blink of an eye. These amazing abilities come from dragonflies unique flying […]

Microscopic Hair on Bats Allow for Better Flight

Bats are interesting animals, in that they are the only mammals truly capable of sustained flight. Due to its poor eyesight bats have become such agile fliers that they have been able to adapt flying at night. Bats use echolocation to help them pinpoint their surroundings and allow for them to catch their prey. But what many […]

Squids Can Fly!

In 2001, marine biologist Silvia Macia along with her husband Michael Robinson saw an unusual incident.  They had just witnessed a squid “flying” above the water (yes, above!).  After discovering this magnificent discovery, they started research on squids;  they asked whether any researchers have seen such a thing, a flying squid.  This eventually leads to […]