Alpine bumblebees can fly higher than Mount Everest. Scientific research demonstrates that these bees possess significant aerodynamic capabilities, enabling them to sustain hovering flight at altitudes exceeding 9000 meters (approximately 29,500 feet), significantly higher than Mount Everest's peak of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet).
Evidence from Scientific Studies
Multiple studies confirm the remarkable flight capabilities of alpine bumblebees at extreme altitudes. These studies highlight the bees' substantial aerodynamic reserves, allowing them to overcome the challenges of low oxygen and thin air at such high elevations. For example, one study showed that some bumblebees can hover at barometric pressures simulating altitudes above 8000 meters. Surpassing Mt. Everest: extreme flight performance of alpine bumble ... This surpasses the height of Mount Everest, showcasing their impressive ability.
Other Examples
While bumblebees are a noteworthy example, several other things can fly higher than Mount Everest:
- Airplanes: Commercial airliners routinely fly at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet, well above the height of Mount Everest. Can a plane fly higher than Mount Everest? - Quora
- Birds: Certain bird species, particularly those that migrate over high mountains, can also fly to altitudes above Mount Everest. Although specific data might be limited for precise altitude records in relation to Everest, their migratory patterns suggest such an ability.
In Conclusion
The question of what can fly higher than Mount Everest has a clear and remarkable answer: alpine bumblebees. Their impressive aerodynamic abilities allow them to conquer extreme altitudes, surpassing even the world's highest peak. This is further corroborated by the ability of many airplanes and some migrating bird species to achieve even greater altitudes.
