Polarized light modulates light-dependent magnetic compass orientation in birds

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Rachel MuheimAtticus Pinzon-Rodriguez

Abstract

Magnetoreception of the light-dependent magnetic compass in birds is suggested to be mediated by a radical-pair mechanism taking place in the avian retina. Biophysical models on magnetic field effects on radical pairs generally assume that the light activating the magnetoreceptor molecules is nondirectional and unpolarized, and that light absorption is isotropic. However, natural skylight enters the avian retina unidirectionally, through the cornea and the lens, and is often partially polarized. In addition, cryptochromes, the putative magnetoreceptor molecules, absorb light anisotropically, i.e., they preferentially absorb light of a specific direction and polarization, implying that the light-dependent magnetic compass is intrinsically polarization sensitive. To test putative interactions between the avian magnetic compass and polarized light, we developed a spatial orientation assay and trained zebra finches to magnetic and/or overhead polarized light cues in a four-arm "plus" maze. The birds did not use overhead polarized light near the zenith for sky compass orientation. Instead, overhead polarized light modulated light-dependent magnetic compass orientation, i.e., how the birds perceive the magnetic field. Birds were well...Continue Reading

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May 25, 2016·Annual Review of Biophysics·P J Hore, Henrik Mouritsen
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Jun 18, 2021·Scientific Reports·Atticus Pinzon-Rodriguez, Rachel Muheim
Sep 4, 2021·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Radek NetušilMartin Vácha

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