Sea turtles and salmon have GPS: the Earth's magnetic field.

To find an unknown and even known address, humans use GPS. In this sector, Google Maps, Waze, Coyote, TomTom Go, Sygic They are leaders in France and almost everywhere in Europe. GPS provides an overview of road traffic using satellites. They anticipate and facilitate the journey to the indicated address. And if this facility exists in humans, what about animal species? Especially when we know that they can travel hundreds of kilometers for several reasons: Finding food, reproducing, and avoiding climate disastersFor land animals, urine can serve as an indicator. For sailors, things get complicated. And that's where the Earth's magnetic field can come into play.

What You Need to Know About Earth's Magnetic Field

The Earth's magnetic field is the area around the Earth in which magnetic forces operate. Its peculiarity lies in its function For protectionIt plays a crucial role in protecting the planet from energetic particles from the sun and cosmic radiation. What is necessary to maintain the atmosphere and life as we know it?You should know that the Earth's magnetic field is primarily generated by internal electric currents. However, these currents are themselves driven by the convective motions of the outer core made of liquid metal. It varies over time, and occasionally undergoes reversals where the magnetic north and south poles swap.

Sea turtles and salmon have GPS: Earth's magnetic field

Sea turtles and salmon use the Earth's magnetic field as a natural navigation system. This natural navigation system is often compared to GPS. According to National Science FoundationThese animals are able to detect minimal variations in the magnetic field to orient themselves and navigate long distances during their migrations. For example, sea turtles, once they hatch on beaches, use these magnetic signals to find ocean currents that will guide them in the ocean. Salmon, on the other hand, depend on the magnetic field. Why? To return precisely to their birthplace to reproduce, after spending several years at sea.These amazing abilities highlight the importance of the magnetic field for these marine animals.

How do some marine animals find their home after thousands of kilometers?

Some marine animals, such as sea turtles, salmon, and whales, return to their habitats thousands of kilometers away through a variety of navigation strategies. These animals mainly use Earth's magnetic field as an internal compass to orient themselves during their migrations across the oceans. This ability, known as Magnetic reception nameIt allows them to detect variations in the magnetic field and follow precise routes back to their place of birth or reproduction. In addition to magnetoreception, some use Visual cues Like the Stars and coastal featuresIn addition to olfactory signals to navigate vast expanses of sea. This ensures accurate return trips regardless of distance and time.

Why do some animals use the magnetic field as a means of natural navigation?

The Earth's magnetic field is used as a means of natural navigation by some animals because it provides a constant and ubiquitous reference. Note that this reference is largely involved in orientation and positioning over vast distances. As mentioned earlier, species such as sea turtles and carrier pigeons, as well as other animals such as monarch butterflies, mole rats, salmon, lobsters, and other bats, can perceive this field thanks to magnetoreception. It is a sense that allows them to To detect the Earth's magnetic changes and orient itself accurately.. It is somewhat similar to the GPS that humans use for their various correspondences. This scalable ability gives them several important advantages. They accurately migrate over long distances to breed, feed, or avoid unfavorable weather conditions. When these animals can detect these stable magnetic signals, they can potentially navigate vast and often confusing expanses of ocean and air. If we humans have traffic lights that indicate our destination and can spare us from using GPS, in these animals, there is only this magnetic field.

This may also interest you. :

Do turtles have teeth?

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Gang': Authorities Dismantle Criminal Network to Save 100 Turtles

At a depth of 1344 meters: This turtle broke the world diving record!

Pets: How to Travel with a Turtle?

What is a turtle cry?

Why do turtles have shells?