An ornithologist tracks a bird that flies 180 km on the first day of migration, then each subsequent day flies 90% of the previous days distance. What is the total distance the bird travels over the first 5 days?

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:36:17 +0000

**Why Are We Tracking Bird Migration Like This? The Numbers Behind a Single Journey**
Across the U.S., growing interest in ecological patterns is fueling exploration of bird migration’s pace and precision—news that shares a striking migration story is resonating. One compelling example: an ornithologist recently documented a bird flying 180 km on its first day, gradually reducing daily distance by 90% each subsequent day. This slow, steady pace reveals how energy conservation shapes long migratory journeys. Users searching for insights into wildlife movement and biological rhythm are drawn to this real-world pattern—where science meets daily rhythm, showing how even nature optimizes effort over distance. **Why Tracking This Bird’s Daily Flight Matters**
Social and search activity highlights a rising curiosity about migration mechanics—especially the subtle shifts in effort over time. The scenario of a bird covering 180 km on day one, then 90% of that distance daily, reflects natural energy management critical to sustaining months-long flights. For readers tracking environmental science, birdwatching trends, or sustainability efforts, this loop—plateauing distance but continued progress—offers clarity on how endurance and adaptation coordinate across days. This inquiry aligns with broader trends in mindfulness about ecological cycles and data-driven wildlife reporting. **How a Bird’s Journey Unfolds Over Five Days**
To understand total distance, the flight per day follows a predictable decay: - Day 1: 180 km
- Day 2: 90% of 180 = 162 km
- Day 3: 90% of 162 = 145.8 km
- Day 4: 90% of 145.8 = 131.22 km
- Day 5: 90% of 131.22 = 118.10 km