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You're assuming that this is the only method of navigation they have, instead of it being one tool within their navigation tool belt. Also, I'm sure magnetic se
by jdmichal 12y ago
You're assuming that this is the only method of navigation they have, instead of it being one tool within their navigation tool belt. Also, I'm sure magnetic sensory organs have some natural error to them that they are constantly re-calibrating for. If the reversal happens within the bounds of natural error and recalibration, then I suspect they would have little trouble adapting.
- thret 12y agoCorrect, animals such as homing pigeons primarily rely on sight and landmarks. There are no known animals that exclusively use magnetic fields to navigate.
- dm2 12y agoThe Monarch Butterfly uses it when the sun isn't available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly#Migratory_Theory_Mechanisms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly#Migratory_The... Apparently it "sees" the magnetic fields, but it also relies on the sun. I don't think it's been studied if it can reorient itself at birth if the poles are switched or if it's "hardcoded".
- adrianN 12y agoThere are some bacteria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetotactic_bacteria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetotactic_bacteria
- thret 12y agoThis is a good point, although I submit that the magnetic direction is irrelevant for their purpose.
- pbhjpbhj 12y agoI wonder how they manage when flying at night. Do those birds that are more capable night-flyers have superior magnetic senses?