Magnetoreception: Difference between revisions
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What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example <math> V_{system}= {\frac{d\ | What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example <math> V_{system}= {\frac{d\ϕ}{dt}}</math> | ||
===A Computational Model=== | ===A Computational Model=== | ||
Revision as of 17:02, 5 December 2015
Magnetoreception is the ability of certain organisms to detect magnetic fields in order to get a sense of direction or location. Many animals have shown the ability to use the Earth's magnetic field to orient themselves and gain information about their surroundings. These include salmon, sea turtles, lobsters, fruit flies, and most notably birds which use this sensory function to migrate.
Background
The basis of magnetoreception comes from the Earth's magnetic field, which presents itself as a large dipole with a magnetic north and a magnetic south. Because of its polarized nature, magnetic fields radiate outwards from the earth in a looping pattern. These magnetic "fields lines" are what organisms use to orient themselves. However, the details behind the physiological mechanisms for magnetic field detection are still elusive. The exact sensory organ or body part in homing pigeons for example has not been determined, but neurons have been shown to be sensitive to geomagnetic fields and take into account aspects like direction, polarity, and intensity. http://www.the-scientist.com/images/August2013/Globe400x357_1.jpg
Mechanisms
Although the existence of magnetoreception was plagued by suspicion for many years, a clear example of an organism making use of the Earth's magnetic fields is found in the bacterium Magnetobacterium bavaricum. After investigation, the bacterium was found to have crystals of Fe_3O_4 or magnetite inside its cells, which all polarize in the direction of present magnetic fields, forming a chain. This gives the bacterium magnetic characteristics and allows the cell to consistently travel along these magnetic field lines. The necessary length of magnetite to become magnetized and sensitive to effects of magnetic fields is extremely small- 50 nm.
http://www.the-scientist.com/images/August2013/feature_pic13.jpg
Other organisms possess electroreceptive organs which can detect electric fields. However, these animals could potentially also detect magnetic fields through Faraday's Law. The time-varying change in flux could generate an electric potential.
A Mathematical Model
What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ V_{system}= {\frac{d\ϕ}{dt}} }[/math]
A Computational Model
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here [image:https://trinket.io/glowscript/31d0f9ad9e Teach hands-on with GlowScript]
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