Magnetic orientation in a small mammal, Peromyscus leucopus
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-1989
Abstract
White-footed mice were displaced 40 m away from their home areas and released in a circular arena. Mice concentrated their exploratory and escape activity in the portion of the arena corresponding to home direction. In another group of mice, the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field surrounding them during displacement was reversed. These individuals concentrated their activity in areas of the circular arena opposite home direction. Tissues of P. leucopus exhibit strong isothermal remanent magnetization and may contain biogenic ferrimagnetic material. Results suggest that white-footed mice have a magnetic sense and use the geomagnetic field as a compass cue. -from Authors
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Mammalogy
Volume
70
Issue
1
Citation/Publisher Attribution
August, P. V., S. G. Ayvazian, and J. G. Anderson. "Magnetic orientation in a small mammal, Peromyscus leucopus." Journal of Mammalogy 70, 1 (1989). doi: 10.2307/1381663.