Page 170 - The Miracle of Migration in Animals

THE MIRACLE OF MIGRATION IN ANIMALS

How, exactly, do turtles navigate?

Not only do migrating turtles return to their birthplace after
decades of oceanic wandering, but can also find their way home after
being in the feeding grounds. Much research has been conducted on
this, but results are inconclusive. All that is known is that in finding
their way every time, these creatures show great intelligence.
Many ideas have been advanced on this subject, but none of

them provides adequate explanation. It is thought that some species
reach their destination by following the coast, other species that cross
oceanic waters follow scent trails carried by the currents,
and others react to changes in the magnetic field in
different parts of the world.
To understand the degree of difficulty in
what the turtle accomplishes, suppose that for
the first time in your life, you are going some-
place with the right conditions for you to be
able to live. You manage to find this place
without going wrong, and then also for the
first time in your life—set off for another spot

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