How much do you know about magnetism and electromagnetism? Did you know that some scientists believe humans are magnetoreceptive. In other words, they have the ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field. Experiments carried out showed that the participants’ brains reacted when the magnetic field was changed unexpectedly.
Humans are not the only animals scientists believe to be magnetoreceptive. Lobsters will migrate in single-file lines of up to 50 organisms. Experiments on them concluded that the direction they walk in is partly based on the Earth’s magnetic field. Clumps of proteins have been discovered in the genome of the fruit fly which scientists believe work as a magnetic sensor. Mole rats live in underground tunnels, and have very poor eyesight. They do use smell to help them navigate, but scientists have also discovered they use the Earth’s magnetic field to guide them during longer journeys.
Migratory birds also rely on the magnetic field for navigation. This appears to be due to the presence of magnetite in their beaks. A chiton ( a type of mollusc) has magnetite in its teeth, which cover its tongue. This helps the chiton scrape algae in order to feed, but also helps them navigate to places to mate and feed!
While less studied than magnetoreception in birds, there is evidence suggesting many insects are also magnetoreceptive. Ants, bees and termites all detect magnetism. Bees will use the Earth’s magnetic field when building their honeycombs, and ants in navigation.
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