Homing orientation by olfaction in newts (Taricha rivularis).

Newts displaced after perfusion of the olfactory epithelium with formaldehyde failed to orient toward home, whereas control animals subjected to oral perfusion with formaldehyde oriented as readily as did untreated controls. Newts with surgically extirpated olfactory nerves failed to home unless their nerves had regenerated. These results strongly suggest a critical role for olfaction in homing behavior.