MAGNETORECEPTION IN MARINE ANIMALS AND BIO-INSPIRED ALGORITHMS FOR LONG-RANGE, GPS-FREE NAVIGATION

Abstract

Numerous migratory animals have a remarkable ability to navigate over long distances to specific locations with pinpoint accuracy. This capacity is particularly well developed in marine animals such as sea turtles, fish, and whales, which travel across thousands of kilometers of open sea through an environment lacking visual landmarks. Much of this navigational ability is attributable to magnetoreception - an ability to detect magnetic fields. Little is known, however, about how animals sense magnetic fields or how animal brains incorporate magnetic cues into navigational strategies that guide movement to specific targets. Animal magnetic sensors may have properties that can inspire new technology. Migratory animals may also employ novel algorithms and strategies that produce reliable navigational performance and can potentially be leveraged for engineering applications.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2021
Source ID
FA95502010399

Entities

People

  • Kenneth J Lohmann

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tags

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects