Birds have been known to be great navigators. For years, scientists have been trying to figure out how they are able to navigate from one place to another. They have found that their ability to detect variations in the earth's magnetic field contributes to their great navigational skills. After doing some research, scientists have discovered cells in the pigeon's brain that could record detailed information about the earth's magnetic field. It is compared to a biological compass. Researchers have also discovered a group of cells in the brain stem of pigeons that can both record both the direction and the strength of the magnetic field. They believe these cells are within the inner ear of the pigeon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/science/study-sheds-light-on-how-pigeons-navigate-by-magnetic-field.html?ref=science
Do you think scientists should be doing more studies like this one?
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