Robin Grob
Publications
Importance of magnetic information for neuronal plasticity in desert ants
We show that the use magnetic information both as a compass and as a reference system for compass calibration. Information from the Earth’s magnetic field is integrated into the ant brain's internal compass and into the learning and memory centers.
Rotation of skylight polarization during learning walks is necessary to trigger neuronal plasticity in Cataglyphis ants
Structural neuronal changes in the central complex (internal compass) and mushroom bodies (learning and memory) are triggered only when ant learning walks were performed under a rotating skylight polarization pattern.
Johnston's organ and its central projections in Cataglyphis desert ants
The multisensory nature of the Johnston's organ together with its projections to multisensory neuropils in the ant brain likely serves synchronization and calibration of different sensory modalities during the ontogeny of navigation in Cataglyphis.
The geomagnetic field is a compass cue in Cataglyphis ant navigation
Desert ants frequently and robustly look back to the nest during learning walks. Novices use the geomagnetic field as a compass cue to determine the direction. The geomagnetic field is the sufficient and necessary reference system for ants.