How come the animals/birds don't get lost? Does it have something to do with electromagnetism?
2006-08-08 16:24:59 · 5 answers · asked by jebi92 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Yes actually it does! The mitochondria in the brains of animals that migrate are slightly different from those that do not. Research has been done on this, through electron microscopy, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Science. I suggest you check out their web pages to see what you can find.
2006-08-08 16:30:11 · answer #1 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Not too sure about the not getting lost part, but I do know electromagnetism.
Electromagnetism is passing an electrical current through a wire to create a magnetic field. I suspect you're thinking of the natural magnetic North/South field that lets a compass work.
I doubt animals can detect the weak earth-fields, but I more suspect they just have an innate ability to use landmarks, follow the sun's direction, and track temperature.
2006-08-08 16:34:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some animals navigate by sensing the earth's magnetic field, some by noting where the Sun is (or even stars), some just by landmarks on land. And I suspect some animals do get lost, like the occassional bear/coyote/whatever in the city.
2006-08-08 16:30:56 · answer #3 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The ions in the animal's brains align with the earth's magnetic field, allowing them to travel great distances without getting lost.
2006-08-08 16:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by szydkids 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Makes them fly south for the winter.
2006-08-08 16:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by Rebel Regan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋