Listen&Learn: Magnetoreception

Learn how birds know which way is north.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• migrate: to move from one place to another, especially in certain seasons
• compass: a device that points north
• detect: to sense or notice something
• theory: an educated belief about how something works
• protein: a complex molecule found in living things
• study: a research project

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20 — 1.2MB)

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Gapfill exercise

Many migrating have a natural compass. They use a sense called magnetoreception, which is the ability to detect the lines of Earth’s magnetic field. This sense helps them understand which way is. There are two common theories about how it works. Researchers have found a metal called magnetite in the beaks of some birds, which might allow them to sense the magnetic field. However, recent studies have also looked at special proteins in birds’ eyes, which seem to to magnetic field lines. These studies show that the proteins are only active in certain levels of . For this reason, many scientists now believe that migrating birds can actually see Earth’s magnetic field.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

1. Magnetoreception is like a natural
   a. clock
   b. compass
   c. thermometer
   
2. The magnetic metal in a bird’s beak is called
   a. magnetite
   b. magnesium
   c. manganese
   
3. Some birds have eye proteins that respond to the magnetic field. These are only active
   a. during certain seasons
   b. in certain levels of light
   c. in certain temperatures

Discussion/essay questions

1. Do you have a good sense of direction? How well can you navigate without technology?

Transcript

Many migrating birds have a natural compass. They use a sense called magnetoreception, which is the ability to detect the lines of Earth’s magnetic field. This sense helps them understand which way north is. There are two common theories about how it works. Researchers have found a metal called magnetite in the beaks of some birds, which might allow them to sense the magnetic field. However, recent studies have also looked at special proteins in birds’ eyes, which seem to respond to magnetic field lines. These studies show that the proteins are only active in certain levels of light. For this reason, many scientists now believe that migrating birds can actually see Earth’s magnetic field.

Answers to comprehension questions

1b 2a 3b