Magnetoreceptors

Evidence for an ability to respond to the earth's magnetic field has been found in many animals, including as well as in some bacteria [Link].

Some examples:

The nature of the receptor in these animals is still a puzzle. Several have been found to contain magnetic material — microscopic grains of magnetite (FeO.Fe2O3). In pigeons, these are probably located in the upper part of the beak area.

Link to view of magnetic grains in a bacterium.
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1 December 2004