Magnetic bee navigation: Nature is amazing

Not only animals, but also insects can sometimes have quite amazing adaptations helping them to survive.

For instance, bees can be quite amazing, because they use the Earth's magnetic fields as navigation.

Let's see how it actually works.

It's simply amazing

Bees are pretty fascinating in how they navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. 

Imagine the Earth as a giant magnet, with invisible lines of magnetic force running from the north pole to the south pole. 

These lines make up what we call the Earth's magnetic field.

Bees' magnetoreception

Now, bees have a special ability called magnetoreception, which means they can sense these magnetic fields. 

They use this ability like a built-in compass to find their way around. 

Inside a bee's body, there are tiny particles containing iron, kind of like little compass needles. 

When the bee is flying, these particles align themselves with the Earth's magnetic field.

How it works

So, when a bee needs to navigate, it uses the information from these tiny internal compasses to figure out its direction based on the magnetic field. 

It's like having an internal map that guides them as they fly from place to place. 

This incredible skill helps bees find their way back to the hive or locate flowers for nectar, making them excellent navigators in the natural world.
 

• Related news:
• bees
• insects
• wildlife
• animal adaptation
• insect facts
• 29 November 2023

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