Orientation of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles in response to the inclination of the magnetic field
Date of Award
1992
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Salmon, Michael
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that hatchling loggerhead sea turtles possess the ability to orient to the earth's magnetic field. These experiments did not identify the specific component of the field used by turtles to determine direction. One of the field's most important characteristics, inclination, has been implicated as the specific property used by birds to orient. This study investigated the possibility that sea turtles use the inclination of the earth's field in a similar manner. Results show that turtles determine direction with the use of an inclination compass similar to the one used by birds to orient. This study has important implications regarding the mechanisms used by animals to orient and navigate.
Extent
40 p.
Recommended Citation
Light, Phillip Richard, "Orientation of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles in response to the inclination of the magnetic field" (1992). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1990 - 1999. 342.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_4/342
Identifier
FADT14787
Comments
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1992.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science