They are pilot lights. Older ranges do not have spark ignition. When you turn the gas on the flame from the pilot light jumps through a small tube to the gas at the burner.
Here is a link to a picture: http://www.american-appliance.com/images... The item labeled Top Burner Igniter is the pilot light. New model ranges have spark ignition located next to each burner, whereas older models share a pilot light between two burners. You can remove the grates and lift the top of the range at the front to peak at the pilot light/burner setup.
This access is also for cleaning spills, and you may find previous tenants didn't clean this. I think the older pilot light setup is safer in that you can't turn on the gas without the burner lighting. While pilot lights can go out you are likely to smell the gas long before it becomes dangerous.
However, having a pilot light means you should never use an aerosol bug bomb as the aerosol is likely to explode. The oven also has a pilot light, and if you have a gas water heater it too has a pilot light.
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