Magnetoception
Encyclopedia : M : MA : MAG : Magnetoception
Magnetoception (or "magnetoreception") is the ability to detect flux direction in a magnetic field, and is most commonly observed in birds, though it has also been observed in many other migratory animals. Researchers have identified a probable sensor in pigeons: a small (dwarf), heavily innervated region of the skull, which contains biological magnetite. Humans have a similar magnetite deposit in the ethmoid bone of the nose. Although there is no dispute that a magnetic sense exists in many avians (it is essential to the navigational abilities of migratory birds), it is a controversial and not well-understood phenomenon. Certain types of bacteria (magnetotactic bacteria) are also known to sense the flux direction, these contain organelles known as magnetosomes for this purpose.
External links
- [Neuroethology: Magnetic information in animal orientation]
- [The Gift of Magnetic Vision] — Implantation of a magnet in a human finger to explore artificial magnetoception
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