Many migratory bird species use the Earth's magnetic field to orient during long-distance journeys. Researchers have shown that young songbirds raised in altered magnetic fields develop migratory headings consistent with their artificial conditions rather than those of their species' historical routes. Captured wild adult birds, by contrast, tend to maintain their established headings even when exposed to altered fields during testing.
Based on the passage, which inference is most strongly supported?
- A
Adult birds cannot detect the Earth's magnetic field
- B
Migratory orientation involves no learned components
- Ccheck_circle
The development of magnetic orientation appears to depend on early-life conditions in ways that may not apply to adults
- D
Young songbirds inherit migratory routes that cannot be altered
Explanation
Differential effects on young versus adults supports B. A and D contradict the young-bird result; C contradicts adult orientation maintenance.