This allows them to always find their way back to their original home
Animals sometimes possess abilities worthy of the best works of science fiction. While it is common knowledge that dogs have an exceptional sense of smell and that cats can see in the dark, it has recently been discovered that sharks are able to find their way using the Earth’s magnetic fields.
A NATURAL GPS THAT SHARKS HAVE IN COMMON WITH CARRIER PIGEONS AND DOLPHINS
Scientists have long hypothesized that the sharks may be able to use the Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate the ocean when traveling very long distances. This theory has been confirmed by scientists at Florida State University, who can now confirm that it is no coincidence that sharks follow a particularly precise and direct path when migrating from one place to another. According to the researchers, the Earth’s magnetic fields thus serve as a natural GPS for these animals.
To reach this conclusion, researchers tested 20 young tiburo hammerhead sharks for sensitivity to magnetic fields, according to a report The Guardian. One of the tests involved placing the sharks in a tank surrounded by copper wires that simulated magnetic fields. In total, the sharks were subjected to three different simulation configurations: one replicating the intensity and angle of the magnetic field in their native habitat, the second that of an area located 600 kilometers to the north, and the third that of an area 600 kilometers to the south. Observations during the tests revealed that during the first simulation, the sharks naturally headed north.
During the second trial, they did not respond to the stimulus and moved in random directions. The researchers explained that this behavior was due to the fact that they had never been exposed to a similar magnetic configuration. It was when exposed to a simulation of the magnetic signal from a site located 600 kilometers south of where they were captured that they demonstrated they were indeed using these signals. In fact, it was observed that during this test, the sharks turned to swim north—in other words, toward the direction that would lead them back to their original habitat.
A POSSIBLE IMPLICATION BEYOND SIMPLE GUIDANCE
According to scientists, this study, published in the journal Current Biology helps explain how sharks manage to return to the exact same spot every year to reproduce after traveling across vast oceans and over very long distances. « Until now, it had not been clear how sharks manage to navigate during their migrations to specific destinations. This research supports the theory that they use the Earth’s magnetic fields to help them find their way; it’s nature’s GPS. », said Bryan Keller, the study's lead author, in a press release.
