electromagnetic sense

views updated May 14 2018

electromagnetic sense Mechanism by which some fish (e.g. Scyliorhinus, dog-fish) and many invertebrates are able to orientate themselves within an electric field that they themselves generate, or by disturbances that they detect in the Earth's electrical or magnetic fields. In some fish the electric pulses are altered by individuals to prevent interference with neighbours, and are used as a means of communication.

electromagnetic sense

views updated May 23 2018

electromagnetic sense The mechanism by which some fish (e.g. Scyliorhinus, dogfish) and many invertebrates are able to orientate themselves within an electric field that they themselves generate, or by disturbances that they detect in the Earth's electrical or magnetic fields. In some fish the electric pulses are altered by individuals to prevent interference with neighbours, and are used as a means of communication.

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