Inertial Navigation in Relation to Animal Navigation

Abstract

The remarkably successful development in recent years of inertial navigation systems suggests a reconsideration in this light of the phenomenon of animal navigation, the physiological basis of which has not been fully established. Some of the aspects of inertial navigation which may be particularly relevant to possible biological analogues are considered. Aspects of animal navigation and orientation that are particularly suggestive of inertial navigation are also treated. The physiology of the biological sensory mechanisms that could form the sensing elements of the biological inertial systems are outlined. Some suggestions are advanced for further investigations.