|
|
|
|
|
Magnetic Compass Orientation
in Rodents
|
|
Mice and hamsters are 'trained' by housing them in
non-magnetic cages aligned along perpendicular axes. The cages are
placed on shelves that shade one end of the cage. A black plastic
nest box is located at the shaded end. |
Mice and hamsters are tested individually
in a visually-symmetrical, circular arena. The arena is enclosed
in a double cube coil (shown here with black curtains raised) used
to produce four magnetic field alignments (see above). |
|
|
|
The testing procedures used in the hamster/mice
experiments are modeled after those developed by Burda et al.
(1990, Experientia 46: 528-530) for studies of African mole rats.
At the beginning of each test, the floor of the arena is covered
with a uniform layer of wood shavings. Water, food and cotton
nestlets are provided at the center of the arena. A directional
response is recorded where the hamster or mouse constructs a nest
against the side of the arena.
|
Back to Home
|
