Turtle's Magnetic Dance

 

Loggerhead sea turtles make impressive migratory treks across oceans — and they have a superpower that guides them to nesting and feeding areas with nary a landmark in sight.

The turtles rely on Earth’s magnetic field to help them navigate in two ways. A magnetic map aids with location tracking, and a magnetic compass orients them in the right direction.

Now, a new study has shown loggerheads actually memorize magnetic fields to help them find foods after migrating.

In fact, captive juvenile loggerheads will “dance” in a particular movement pattern in response to magnetic cues that remind them where they previously partook in meals — and the cute motion is something you have to see to believe.

- Author: Ashley Strickland, CNN