Magnetic vector tomography reveals giant magnetofossils are optimised for magnetointensity reception.

ABSTRACT: Giant magnetofossils are unusual, micron-sized biogenic magnetite particles found in sediments dating back at least 97 million years. Their distinctive morphologies are the product of biologically controlled mineralisation, yet the identity of their biomineralising organism, and the biological function they serve, remain a mystery. It is currently thought that the organism exploited magnetite's mechanical properties for protection. Here we explore an alternative hypothesis, that it exploited magnetite's magnetic properties for the purpose of magnetoreception. We present a three-dimensional magnetic vector tomography study of a giant magnetofossil and assess its magnetoreceptive potential. Our results reveal a single magnetic vortex that displays an optimised response to spatial variations

SUBMITTER: Harrison RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12537488 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature