Introduction

This chapter describes the author’s discovery of the electric sense of sharks and rays in the ampullae of Lorenzini, a sense organ unique to these animals. The ampullae of Lorenzini are part of a comprehensive sensory system, comprising not only the peripheral sensors, but also the central nervous system, the shape and constitution of the animals’ body, the seawater medium, and the behavioral feedback. Kalmijn’s research establishes the animals’ ability to use this sensory system for prey detection and orientation using laboratory and in-nature experiments. The chapter also summarizes the relevant electromagnetic physical principles. Studying the electromagnetic theory describing this sensory system from the perspective of the animals is critical to arrive at an accurate understanding and description of the capabilities of this sensory system.