Pigeons

INDEX Introduction to Bioelectromagnetism Magnetotactic Bacteria Electric Eels Sharks Bibliography	Pigeons	http://www.viceland.com/int/v14n7/htdocs/us/1_large.jpg
	Electromagnetism in Pigeons: Pigeons have been found to possess magnetite-based receptors in their beaks. Johnsen and Lohmann (2008) stated that pigeons have a "complex array of magnetic materials found in a part of the beak coupled to a nerve that responds to magnetic field changes." Clusters of this magnetic material have been found on both sides of pigeon beaks. Evidence also supports the concept of pigeons using their beaks as a compass mechanism. Functioning as inclination compasses, the birds were able to sense Northward and Southward directions. This navigation may contribute to a homing pigeon's innate sense of orientation and the location of "home", the original departure point. http://smashmaterials.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ Beautiful-Pigeon-Wallpapers-12.jpg When they are able, pigeons rely mainly on visual cues for a "time-compensated stellar and sun compasses." Pigeons were found to prefer visual cues at times of optical clarity. This was confirmed experimentally as pigeons on a clear day were able to navigate successfully with disorienting magnets on their backs. The magnets had an effect on navigation on overcast days, thus proving that pigeons have alternative forms of coordination. Physics (Pigeon) Problem: While a pigeon is visually navigating to its "home", a light wave with a frequency of 7.5 x 10¹⁴ Hz, what is the wavelength of the wave? Given that the speed of light is equal to the product of the frequency and the wavelength, c = λf You simply algebraically solve for the wavelength λ, then insert the given numbers (the constant c is the speed of light in a vacuum and equal to 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s): Solve for λ: c= λf => λ=c/f Insert values: λ=( 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s) /(7.5 x 10¹⁴ Hz) => λ=4.0 x 10⁻⁷ m The wavelength of the light hitting the pigeon’s eye is 4.0 x 10⁻⁷ of a meter long. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Johnsen, S. & Lohmann, K.J. (2008). Magnetoreception in Animals. Physics Today, 61(3). 29-35. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2897947 Rozhok, A. (2008). Orientation and Navigation in Vertebrates. Berlin Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag.

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