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Structure and function of the vertebrate magnetic sense

Author

Listed:
  • Michael M. Walker

    (Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland)

  • Carol E. Diebel

    (Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland)

  • Cordula V. Haugh

    (Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland)

  • Patricia M. Pankhurst

    (Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland
    University of Tasmania at Launceston)

  • John C. Montgomery

    (Experimental Biology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland)

  • Colin R. Green

    (School of Medicine, University of Auckland)

Abstract

Some vertebrates can navigate over long distances using the Earth's magnetic field, but the sensory system that they use to do so has remained a mystery. Here we describe the key components of a magnetic sense underpinning this navigational ability in a single species, the rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). We report behavioural and electrophysiological responses to magnetic fields and identify an area in the nose of the trout where candidate magnetoreceptor cells are located. We have tracked the sensory pathway from these newly identified candidate magnetoreceptor cells to the brain and associated the system with a learned response to magnetic fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael M. Walker & Carol E. Diebel & Cordula V. Haugh & Patricia M. Pankhurst & John C. Montgomery & Colin R. Green, 1997. "Structure and function of the vertebrate magnetic sense," Nature, Nature, vol. 390(6658), pages 371-376, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:390:y:1997:i:6658:d:10.1038_37057
    DOI: 10.1038/37057
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    Cited by:

    1. Painter, K.J. & Plochocka, A.Z., 2019. "Efficiency of island homing by sea turtles under multimodal navigating strategies," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 391(C), pages 40-52.

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