How Do Animals Use Earth’s Magnetic Field for Navigation?

Category: Animals > Magnetoreception

Many animals possess the remarkable ability to navigate using Earth's magnetic field, a phenomenon known as magnetoreception. This skill is particularly evident in migratory birds, such as the Arctic Tern, which travels thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. Scientists believe that these birds can detect the Earth's magnetic field through specialized proteins in their eyes that react to magnetic changes, allowing them to "see" the magnetic field as a visual map. Other species, such as sea turtles and certain fish, also utilize this sense to find their way across vast distances in the ocean, highlighting an extraordinary adaptation that enhances their survival by ensuring they reach their destinations with remarkable precision.

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