Saved on this device

Follow your curiosity

What discovery has been shared with you?

Start with one fact. Explore it, go deeper, then follow whichever branch catches your imagination.

Choose subjects for a surprise

Exploring any topic

Begin your discovery

Your next discovery is one click away.

Choose one or more subjects above, or leave Any Topic selected and let curiosity decide.

Biology

Navigation by the Earth's Magnetic Field in Migratory Sea Turtles

Quick fact

Loggerhead sea turtles are born with a 'magnetic map' that helps them navigate across entire ocean basins. They can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use its variations in intensity and inclination to determine their position relative to their natal beach.

Why this is interesting

Imagine being born on a beach, swimming into the vast ocean, and years later finding your way back to the very same beach to lay your eggs. How do sea turtles do it? The answer lies in an invisible force that surrounds our planet: the Earth's magnetic field.