News > Sharks use Earth's magnetic field as a GPS, to swim long distances, scientists say

Sharks use Earth's magnetic field as a GPS, to swim long distances, scientists say

Researchers said their marine laboratory experiments with a small species of shark confirm long-held speculation that sharks use magnetic fields as aids to navigation - behaviour observed in other marine animals such as sea turtles.

Their study, published this month in the journal Current Biology, also sheds light on why sharks are able to traverse seas and find their way back to feed, breed and give birth.