Magnetic Cattle

摘要

You reported on research, based on a large number of satellite photos, showing that cattle and some wild grazing animals align themselves predominantly along north-south lines, suggesting an awareness of the Earth's magnetic field (30 August 2008, p 10). I havernsince paid particular attention to the hundred or so cattle and sheep visible from my kitchen window.rnOverwhelmingly, these animals align east-west. Frequently, this appears to be a response to strong winds, driving rain or fierce sun. Even in tranquil times, there is a clear east-west preference. It seems animals in Australia march to a different drum.rnGrazing kangaroos show no alignment preference at all.