Introduction.
Together, the flow of molten material in the Earth's core and the flow of ions in the atmosphere generate a magnetic field that surrounds the Earth.
Amazingly, a number of animals are able to sense this magnetic field.
Animals who possess magnetic sense are able to identify direction and navigate long distances.
Behavioral studies have revealed that many animals including honey bees, sharks, sea turtles, rays, homing pigeons, tuna, salmon etc all have magnetic sense.
Researchers have found that each of these animals has deposits of magnetite in their nervous systems.
Magnetite, small magnet-like crystals, align themselves with magnetic fields and might act like microscopic compass needles.
A large variety of animals possess a magnetic sense.
Migratory birds use magnetic clues to find their way south in fall and north in spring.
Salamanders and frogs use the magnetic field orientation when they have to find the direction of the nearest shore quickly e.g. when they sense danger.
do you know?
Some species of bacteria even reply on the magnetic field to orient themselves.
We shall know more case studies about animals using magnetism to navigate in the next post!