The magnetic sense and its use in long-distance navigation by animals.
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.
Walker
Michael M
MM
School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, New Zealand. m.walker@auckland.ac.nz
Dennis
Todd E
TE
Kirschvink
Joseph L
JL
D000818:Animals; D003463:Cues; D004215:Distance Perception / Q000502:physiology; D018534:Earth, Planet; D008280:Magnetics; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*