A cat strolls across your back yard. An hour later, a dog with its nose to the ground follows the trail of the cat. Explain what is going on from a molecular point of view.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dog is able to follow the trail left by the cat by detecting and following the odor molecules that were emitted by the cat. As the cat walks across the backyard, it leaves behind a trail of odor molecules. The dog's sense of smell is sensitive enough to detect and follow the odor molecules left behind by the cat. This is why the dog has its nose to the ground, tracking the scent trail.

A Cat Strolls Across Your Back Yard