TPO42

The passage comes up with three solutions to prevent birds from hitting glass that used in modern building. Nonetheless, the professor challenges all the possible solutions mentioned in the passage.

Firstly, as it mentioned in the article, one-way glass, which is transparent in only one direction, would be effective in protecting birds from getting injured. However, the professor argues that this solution will not be effective. This kind of glass, the professor states, functions like a mirror. Since birds do not understand what is a mirror, it is likely that they will regard the reflection in the mirror as real items. For example, if the mirror reflects trees and sky, birds will believe that are true trees and sky and just fly right into it.

Secondly, the reading material mentions that colorful designs could facilitate the protection of birds. Again, this solution is refuted by the lecturer. According to the lecturer, birds would perceive the opening area on the glass as holes, which they are able to fly right through. To prevent birds from trying to fly right through the opening areas, the opening part should be extremely small. However, this would make the room too dark.

Thirdly, contrary to the statement that an artificial magnetic field would steer birds in a drection away from the building, the lecturer holds the belief that it is useless to equip such a device. He explains that birds only resort to the magnetic fields when they are flying long distance, such as flying from a cold country to a warm country. On the other hand, the professor adds, birds do not make use of magnetic fields if they only fly a short distance, like flying from one side of the city to another side. Instead, they use their eyes and light to navigate their short trips.