ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Animal navigation

Have you ever wondered how animals know where to go or how to find their way home? This is called animal navigation. Just like we use maps or GPS, animals use different methods to navigate their way around.

One way is by using the sun, stars, or moon. Animals like birds and bees can use the position of the sun during the day or the stars at night to figure out which direction they need to go in. They do this by looking at the angle that the light is coming from and using that to adjust their path.

Another way animals navigate is through their sense of smell. Certain animals like dogs, wolves, and some birds have a really strong sense of smell that they use to follow their nose. They can detect and follow specific scents in the environment, which helps them find their way around.

There are also animals that use their sense of vision to navigate, like ants and bees. They can see objects in their environment and use that information to follow specific landmarks or patterns that they recognize.

Lastly, some animals navigate by using the Earth's magnetic field. This means that they can feel the Earth's magnetic pull and use that to orient themselves. Some birds and sea turtles are able to do this and use it to move long distances without getting lost.

Overall, animal navigation is a really important skill that animals use to survive and find their way around in the world. Each animal uses a different method that works best for them, and it's amazing to see them use these skills in action.
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