Book 31, Question 71 · Video
Why might a murre’s egg spin in a circle instead of rolling off a cliff?
Murres lay their eggs on narrow rocky ledges high above the sea. Their eggs are very pointed at one end. Scientists think this shape helps an egg roll in a tight circle rather than straight off the edge. They are still testing the idea, and the shape may also help in other ways. Either way, it is one of nature’s clever shapes.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why might a murre’s egg spin in a circle instead of rolling off a cliff?
The Big Idea
Murres lay eggs on narrow cliff ledges. High above the sea! How do the eggs stay put?
Cliff Ledges
Step one: Cliff Ledges. Murres lay their eggs on narrow rocky ledges high above the sea. They don't build nests, so the egg sits on bare rock.
Very Pointed
Step two: Very Pointed. Murre eggs are very pointed at one end. They look different from round eggs like an owl's.
An Idea to Test
Step three: An Idea to Test. Scientists think this shape may help an egg roll in a tight circle rather than straight off the edge. But they're still testing the idea, and the shape may help in other ways too.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Narrow and high. Unusual shape. Maybe it spins. Still testing.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Murres lay a single egg each year on bare rock. Scientists are still testing why the shape helps. The ledges are high above the sea. The eggs sit on bare rock.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Roll a paper party-hat cone across a table. Watch the path it takes. Now roll a ball. The cone traces a circle, but the ball goes straight. Scientists wonder if pointed eggs use a similar idea.
Outro
Murres lay one very pointed egg on bare cliff ledges. Scientists think the shape might help the egg spin in a tight circle instead of rolling off, but they're still testing that idea, and the shape may help in other ways too. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!