The magnetic sense and its use in long-distance navigation by animals

• Published in: Current Opinion in Neurobiology Vol. 12; no. 6; pp. 735 - 744
• Main Authors: Walker, Michael M, Dennis, Todd E, Kirschvink, Joseph L
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2002
• Subjects: Animals; Cues; Distance Perception - physiology; Earth (Planet); magnetic anomalies; magnetic field; magnetic inclination; magnetic intensity; Magnetics; Magnetite; magnetoreception; navigation; Orientation - physiology; position determination; Space Perception - physiology; magnetoreception; magnetic field; magnetic intensity; Cell biology; Ecology; Anatomy; navigation; Neuroscience; Magnetite; Techniques & Methods; position determination; Evolution; Physiology; magnetic anomalies; magnetic inclination
• ISSN: 0959-4388; 1873-6882
• DOI: 10.1016/S0959-4388(02)00389-6

True navigation by animals is likely to depend on events occurring in the individual cells that detect magnetic fields. Minimum thresholds of detection, perception and ‘interpretation’ of magnetic field stimuli must be met if animals are to use a magnetic sense to navigate. Recent technological advances in animal tracking devices now make it possible to test predictions from models of navigation based on the use of variations in magnetic intensity. The magnetic sense and long-distance navigation by animals are mysteries on the verge of resolution as studies of structure and function of the magnetic sense begin to inform theory and experiment in the study of navigation by animals.