Moonage SpaceDream

This appeared on ABC’s Science and Technology page:

First one sheep jumped to its death. Then stunned Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported.

In the end, 450 dead animals lay on top of one another in a billowy white pile, the Aksam newspaper said. Those who jumped later were saved as the pile got higher and the fall more cushioned, Aksam reported.

I kid you not.  This was on ABC’s SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY page.  The social ramifications on this Turkish community is profound, but is this SCIENCE?   Let’s look, shall we?

I found this in about 30 seconds:

Sheep like to play follow-the-leader. When one of the lead sheep decides to go somewhere, the rest of the flock follows. This is why sheep are easier to round up using sheep dogs; the dog "eyes" (identifies) the lead sheep and directs that sheep according to the instructions of the farmer - all the rest of the flock follow along. The trouble is, that if the lead sheep goes over a cliff, the others are likely to follow (ouch!)

Apparently there is no science or technology involved here, it’s a well known sheep trait.  I guess it’s just new to ABC?  ( Clue here ABC, use the INTERNET! )

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