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Pigeons
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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/ 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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