Although new researches are constantly being made about the creatures living in the oceans, some information about these species continues to be a mystery. How sea turtles and other aquatic pests navigate in the open ocean has long been a subject of study by scientists.
A new study, now published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, has revealed new and illuminating information on this topic. Scientists conducting the research announced that they have reached new findings to solve the mystery of how turtles, known for their long-distance migration, find their way in water.
Turtles have been shown to have a map perception that helps them find direction
The experts who placed GPS on 22 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) have figured out how to use them in their foraging areas after mating. He watched her come back and saw that they had taken a very winding road. For example, it was observed that a turtle traveled 1,306 kilometers to reach a place 176 kilometers from its starting point. As a result, it turned out that the animals swam in circles for a long time until they reached land.
It was stated that the results show that the turtles have a slight ‘map perception’. After that, it was reported that it was seen that the turtles used the Earth’s magnetic field to find their direction. Stating that the use of the magnetic field was mentioned in previous studies on turtles, the researchers stated that the new study makes this situation more precise. In addition, it is worth noting that the magnetic field is also used by other living things.
Scientists, who said that the magnetic field perception helped the turtles, albeit a little, said that this situation did not ensure migration on a straight route; however, he noted that it helped them find a way a little bit. It was also stated that the path traveled by the turtles is not affected by the ocean currents and that these species do not act according to the weather conditions to set off.
Finally, the researchers found that sea turtles’ navigational abilities are not perfect; however, he added that he is quite good considering his sensory abilities are quite limited.
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