Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Mark Stipetic on 19/10/2008 13:19:22

Title: Why are flies so difficult to swat?
Post by: Mark Stipetic on 19/10/2008 13:19:22

Mark Stipetic asked the Naked Scientists:

Why are flies so difficult to swat? Do they just have very fast reactions or is
there some other factor at work?

What do you think?

Title: Why are flies so difficult to swat?
Post by: LeeE on 19/10/2008 15:33:15

Flies can see a lot more 'quickly' (can't think of a better way to put it) than we can.  That is to say, when we look at a T.V. screen or a film, 25-30 frames per second is enough to produce smooth motion whereas a fly, watching the same film, would see each individual frame clearly.  To flies, we seem to be moving in slow-motion.