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Why do animals form swarms? - Maria R. D'Orsogna

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When many individual organisms come together and move as one entity, that’s a swarm. From a handful of birds to billions of insects, swarms can be almost any size. They have no leader, and members interact only with their neighbors or through indirect cues. Members follow simple rules: travel in the same direction as those around you, stay close and avoid collisions. Maria R. D’Orsogna shares why.

What are the rules of a swarm?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Maria R. D'Orsogna
  • Director Matt Reynolds
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Animator Matt Reynolds
  • Designer Matt Reynolds
  • Sound Designer Weston Fonger
  • Associate Producer Elizabeth Cox, Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Julianna Zarzycki

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