Efficient Swimming

[Rev. Green]

Ducks fly in V-formation to save energy. When swimming, should the V be sharper or flatter? Does it depend on viscosity, or speed of sound in the medium, or both?

[derekpara]

'' Speed of sound in the medium'' ?

Also, do ducks swim in a V formation ? I've only seen them swimming in line-ahead, as a family.

[Mamyalynne]

Just had a look out of the window - the ducks as usual are swimming around quite randomly, no formation noticeable apart from some ducklings following Mum (well most of them).

[Rev. Green]

Make it geese then.

[Mamyalynne]

I'll go and look.

[Prudie]

Read this, probably will give you more of a scientific answer
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=bio_facpub

[Mamyalynne]

Prudie is quite right, stick with the science - I have to go and feed them now they've seen me spying.