Robins be capable of seeing Earth’s magnetic field

vIndianz.com (29 Oct, 2009) — Robins know how to ‘see’ the Earth’s magnetic field which permits them to find the way, scientists suppose. The information, relayed to a focused light-processing area of the brain called ”cluster N”, assist the robin locate its way on migration flights.

earth magnetic field Experts be acquainted with birds own an internal magnetic compass; however there is difference about what shape it takes. One thought is that minute magnets in the beak wired to the nervous system identify lines of magnetic force.

Another is that magnetic fields are ”seen” through the eyes by means of a composite light-sensitive system. The latest research suggests that, for robins at least, the second hypothesis is perhaps correct.

German scientists considered 36 European robins and found birds with harm to ”cluster N” were not capable to familiarize themselves with the Earth’s magnetic field. However damage to one more nerve channel essential for a beak-sensing system had no consequence.

The researchers, led by Dr Henrik Mouritsen from the University of Oldenburg, wrote in the journal Nature: ”The results of the present study … particularly propose that cluster N of European robins is an necessary element of a circuit processing light-dependent magnetic compass information for night-time orientation.

”The precise role of cluster N in this circuit has not been strong-minded, but the current results elevate the discrete likelihood that this part of the visual system enables birds to ‘see’ magnetic compass information.”

Further types of magnetic sensor might too subsist in birds, said the scientists. There was strong proof that upper beak magneto sensors were used by pigeons.

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Robins be capable of seeing Earth’s magnetic field

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