Bruce Smith, age 12, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for his question:

Why do geese fly in a V formation?

Until recently, most bird watchers suspected that wild geese follow a special leader, perhaps a wise old goose who knew the route from previous years. Now it is thought that this flight formation is related to air currents, created by the bodies of the moving birds. These invisible air motions are very subtle and complex.

An airplane has a sharp nose to pierce through the air. Its wings are designed to take advantage of air currents and their different pressures. Apparently the geese learned about these principles of aerodynamics ages ago. Their V shaped flight formation reduces the drag and takes full advantage of the helpful air currents. The hardest work is done by the leader    but he does not lead all the way home. When he tires, he falls back to one side and a less weary bird moves forward to lead the way for a spell.