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https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/15988
Title: | The magnetite-based receptors in the beak of birds and their role in avian navigation | Contributor(s): | Wiltschko, Roswitha (author); Wiltschko, Wolfgang (author) | Publication Date: | 2013 | Open Access: | Yes | DOI: | 10.1007/s00359-012-0769-3 | Handle Link: | https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/15988 | Abstract: | Iron-rich structures have been described in the beak of homing pigeons, chickens and several species of migratory birds and interpreted as magnetoreceptors. Here, we will briefly review findings associated with these receptors that throw light on their nature, their function and their role in avian navigation. Electrophysiological recordings from the ophthalmic nerve, behavioral studies and a ZENK-study indicate that the trigeminal system, the nerves innervating the beak, mediate information on magnetic changes, with the electrophysiological study suggesting that these are changes in intensity. Behavioral studies support the involvement of magnetite and the trigeminal system in magnetoreception, but clearly show that the inclination compass normally used by birds represents a separate system. However, if this compass is disrupted by certain light conditions, migrating birds show 'fixed direction' responses to the magnetic field, which originate in the receptors in the beak. Together, these findings point out that there are magnetite-based magnetoreceptors located in the upper beak close to the skin. Their natural function appears to be recording magnetic intensity and thus providing one component of the multi-factorial 'navigational map' of birds. | Publication Type: | Journal Article | Source of Publication: | Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 199(2), p. 89-98 | Publisher: | Springer | Place of Publication: | Germany | ISSN: | 1432-1351 0340-7594 |
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: | 060801 Animal Behaviour | Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: | 310901 Animal behaviour | Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: | 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: | 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences | Peer Reviewed: | Yes | HERDC Category Description: | C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal |
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Appears in Collections: | Journal Article |
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