Each autumn, millions of monarchs fly up to 4,000 km from North America to the same mountain forests in Mexico. The trip north takes several generations. The ones flying south are great-grandchildren of last year's travellers.
Truth label: Established. Strong evidence and broad agreement among experts.
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The super generation
The autumn generation lives up to eight months, far longer than its parents, just to make the journey.
Sun compass
They navigate using the Sun's position and an internal clock in their antennae.
Learn
- Same trees. They often return to the very same groves of fir trees their ancestors used.
Test yourself
How do monarchs know the way south?
Built-in navigation. No butterfly makes the trip twice. The route is inborn.
Sources
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