Magnetoreception is the ability of certain animals to detect the Earth's magnetic field and use it for navigation. This sense helps species like birds, sea turtles, and salmon find their way during long migrations. They can sense magnetic fields through specialized cells or proteins in their bodies. Research suggests that magnetoreception may involve magnetite, a magnetic mineral found in some animals, or cryptochromes, light-sensitive proteins that can respond to magnetic fields. Understanding this phenomenon can provide insights into animal behavior and the evolutionary adaptations that allow these species to thrive in their environments.