RUI: An Analysis of Particle-Based Magnetic Field Transduction in the Bobolink

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How birds navigate during long-distance migrations remains mysterious, but there is behavioral evidence to suggest that some birds detect the earth's magnetic field. There is controversy about whether such magnetic detection requires a magnetic material such as the mineral magnetite. This mechanism would be an exciting new discovery if true, but because of conflicting results, a rigorous set of tests still is needed to establish its validity. One property of magnetite is that it can be re-magnetized, and this project use the novel approach of applying a remagnetizing pulse to migratory birds, and then measuring their nightly behavior of preferred headings in a planetarium. The presence or lack of short-term or long- term effects from different conditions of remagnetization will be examined. This approach creates a set of critical tests to reject or accept whether behavioral magnetic field detection depends on magnetic particles. Results from this novel approach will have an impact on this controversial and interesting field, and this project also has a significant impact on undergraduate scientific experience.