Numerous animals and species are roaming on Planet Earth, and Earth’s magnetic field acts like an invisible shield around the Earth to protect from Sun’s harmful radiation. But What is the connection between the two? Well, many animals use the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation and navigation. This ability is known as magnetoreception. Birds, sea turtles, fish, insects, and even certain mammals have magnetoreception ability.
Magnetoreception allows animals to sense the Earth’s magnetic field. Animals use it as a compass to navigate long-distance migrations, discover their nests or breeding grounds, or find their way back home. Magnetoreception’s mechanism is unknown, but experts believe it involves specialised cells or structures in an animal’s body that can sense and interpret magnetic fields.
Despite not understanding the magnetoreception mechanism, let’s understand through various animal navigation techniques. A famous example of magnetic orientation is in migratory birds. They rely on the Earth’s magnetic field to cover vast distances during their seasonal migrations. By sensing the magnetic field, birds can determine their position relative to Earth’s magnetic poles and adjust their flight direction accordingly.
Sea turtles are another fascinating example. Hatchlings use the Earth’s magnetic field to find their way from the nest to the sea. After years of migration, adult sea turtles rely on magnetism to navigate and return to nesting beaches.
In addition, we have seen magnetic orientation in birds and sea turtles, many other animals, such as fish, insects (such as bees and monarch butterflies), and even some mammals (such as bats and rodents). Therefore, It seems as evidence of magnetism and its role in orientation and navigation capabilities. Overall, the ability to sense and use Earth’s magnetic field is a remarkable adaptation that helps many animal species navigate and complete their life cycles.