Neural mechanisms of orientation to the earth's magnetic field. Both field and laboratory research now indicate that many diverse animal groups use information derived from the magnetic field of the earth for orientation. Remarkably little is known about how they do this. We have shown in the preliminary work that the marine nudibranch mollusk, Tritonia diomedia orients to earth-strength magnetic fields.
Field work to establish the normal behavioral context and use of geomagnetic information.
By records and stimulating appropriate individual, identifiable central neurons intracellularly in semi-intact animal preparations, we will determine the underlying circuitry and integrative mechanisms of the magnetosensory and rheotactic sensory apparatus of Trironia's brain. Murray J.A., and Willows A.O.D., Function of identified nerves in orientation to water flow in Tritonia diomedea, J. Comp. Jun 22, 1999. All rights reserved. Locate Funding Listed below are the areas of interest for this individual.