Animals use magnetic fields like we use GPS
Geomagnetic field provides animals with different sorts of information
The Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, provides animals with different sorts of information. Animals use the magnetic field to orient themselves, navigate, and find food. Some animals, such as birds and sea turtles, use the magnetic field to migrate long distances. Other animals, such as bees and ants, use the magnetic field to find their way back to their nests. A magnetic sense has in fact been well documented in dozens of species—from seasonal migrants such as birds and sea turtles,to insects like honeybees and ants, and even some fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Birds use the magnetic field to navigate during migration
Birds use the magnetic field to navigate during migration. They have a special protein in their eyes that allows them to detect the Earth's magnetic field. This protein is called cryptochrome. Cryptochrome is found in the retinas of birds' eyes, and it helps them to sense the direction of the magnetic field. Birds use this information to orient themselves during migration. They know which direction to fly in order to reach their destination.
Sea turtles use the magnetic field to find their way back to their nesting beaches
Sea turtles use the magnetic field to find their way back to their nesting beaches. They have a special organ in their heads that allows them to detect the Earth's magnetic field. This organ is called the magnetic sense organ. The magnetic sense organ helps sea turtles to remember the location of their nesting beaches. They use this information to return to their nesting beaches to lay their eggs.
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