Homing phenomena: mechanisms and classifications

Abstract

Literature on homing phenomena has produced a large number of terms and definitions, without leading to a generally accepted classification. In the present paper homing is taken to mean all those actions undertaken to reach a specific site which is already known to an animal. The main mechanisms of homing are briefly reviewed and arranged according to the origin of the information which allows the animal to reach its goal. For each homing mechanism just one denomination is proposed.