Scientists have learned about the movement of baby turtles using a hidden magnetic sense

A study by scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has shown that baby turtles use their magnetic sense to navigate throughout their long migration. This discovery proves that turtles can sense magnetic forces and use them to determine their position in the ocean. This was reported on November 22 by Science Daily magazine.

There are two main ways animals can perceive magnetic fields. One of them is based on photosensitive molecules that respond to magnetic conditions. This allows the animal to see magnetic patterns. The second method involves crystals of magnetite in the body, which react to magnetic forces and make it possible to feel the field. Scientists have found that for baby turtles, this mechanism is associated with the tactile perception of magnetic forces, rather than the ability to "see" the field.

In the experiment, the scientists used special pulses to temporarily disrupt the turtles' ability to sense magnetic forces. After exposure, turtles began to "dance" less often — to lift a part of their body above the water, open their mouths and move with their flippers. This confirms that they use tactile magnetic perception to orient themselves in space. According to researcher Aleina Makievits, turtles are very motivated by food and perform their dance when they think they can be fed.

According to research, baby turtles use two types of magnetic sensations: one to determine direction, and the other to determine location. This discovery helps to understand how turtles navigate their long journeys and how they use different types of magnetic perceptions on their journey.

In addition, it is claimed that the cubs can use additional clues to figure out where they are in the ocean. In this case, the key role, according to the researchers, is played precisely by the ability to sense the magnetic field.

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Earlier, on November 21, Claire O'Connell, a doctoral student from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of California, the author of the study, spoke about the process of creating friendships with parrots. According to her, at first the birds gradually approach each other to get to know each other and only later begin to interact more intensively. The specialist clarified that this way helps to avoid conflicts between individuals.

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