Iron particles isolated from the dura of pygmy sperm whales Kogia breviceps

Magnetite, a highly magnetic iron oxide, is a biomineralization product found in organisms sensitive to the earth's magnetic field. Biogenically produced magnetite differs from magnetite-bearing rocks of geological origin in crystalline morphology, size, and elemental composition. Standard paleomagnetic methods indicate that cetacean brain dura may also contain magnetite. Correllations have been documented between the distribution of cetacean live stranding events and anomalously minimal magnetic field intensities. This would suggest magnetoreceptive abilities in whales. Pygmy sperm whales are one of the most common cetaceans to strand alive in Florida. Therefore, it is of interest to determine whether pygmy sperm whale brain contains magnetite, as this will establish sensitivity to variations in the earth's magnetic field. Reported here are the results of isolation experiments to ascertain whether iron-rich particles are present in pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps.