Reviving a neglected celestial underwater polarization compass for aquatic animals

Biological ReviewsVolume 81, Issue 1 p. 111-115 Reviving a neglected celestial underwater polarization compass for aquatic animals Talbot H. Waterman, Talbot H. Waterman Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Kline Biology Tower 802, KBT, Yale University, New Haven. CT., 06520–8103. USA (E-mail: talbot.waterman@yale.edu)Search for more papers by this author Talbot H. Waterman, Talbot H. Waterman Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Kline Biology Tower 802, KBT, Yale University, New Haven. CT., 06520–8103. USA (E-mail: talbot.waterman@yale.edu)Search for more papers by this author First published: 15 March 2007 https://doi.org/10.1017/S1464793105006883Citations: 40AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat ABSTRACT Substantial in situ measurements on clear days in a variety of marine environments at depths in the water down to 200 m have demonstrated the ubiquitous daytime presence of sun-related e-vector (= plane of polarization) patterns. In most lines of sight the e-vectors tilt from horizontal towards the sun at angles equal to the apparent underwater refracted zenith angle of the sun. A maximum tilt-angle of approximately 48.5°, is reached in horizontal lines of sight at 90° to the sun's bearing (the plane of incidence). This tilt limit is set by Snell's window, when the sun is on the horizon. The biological literature since the 1980s has been pervaded with assumptions that daytime aquatic e-vectors are mainly horizontal. This review attempts to set the record straight concerning the potential use of underwater e-vectors as a visual compass and to reopen the field to productive research on aquatic animals' orientation and navigation. Citing Literature Volume81, Issue1February 2006Pages 111-115 RelatedInformation