Monday, January 16, 2012

How do they know where to go?

The January 2012 Scientific American examines the role of the earth's magnetic field:
  • Dozens of animal species, from ants to whales, have well-documented abilities to detect the geomagnetic field and use it for orientation and navigation.
  • After some false starts, researchers may have now located the organs for this magnetic sense, and they are finally understanding the physics that underpins it.
  • Some animals may use microscopic magnetic particles to detect magnetic fields; others might harness quantum effects on certain pigments in the eye.
Subscription required to view online or you can buy the issue.

No comments:

Post a Comment