In this project we will use chicken as the model species. Studies have shown that also non-migratory birds like the chicken can detect a magnetic field. They are easy to get hold of and maintain in the animal facilities in Kristine Bonnevie house. They also easily learn different foraging tasks. We have used them in several studies with aposematic prey. In this project they will learn a feeding task that is related to timing and the circadian clock. The chicks will be divided in two groups; one group with a small magnet attached to the beak and a control group with a small brass weight attached to the beak.
Can a magnetic field affect the sense of time?
Magnetic fields have been discussed as Zeitgebers for circadian clocks, which mean that a strong magnetic field may affect circadian rhythmicity. It was found that the circadian clock in Drosophila is sensitive to magnetic fields. However, whether the circadian clock is sensitive to magnetism in other animal groups, is not known. Many studies have shown that animals from diverse groups can sense the magnetic field and use it for orientation or navigation. This is a very active field of research in birds where a large number of bird species use the Earth’s magnetic fields for navigation during migration. But it is not known if the magnetic field will also affect the circadian rhythm in these bird species.
Published Mar. 22, 2018 10:30 AM
- Last modified Apr. 19, 2018 8:14 AM