Electroreception is the ability of certain animals to detect electric fields in their environment. This sensory system is particularly useful for species that live in dark or murky waters, where visibility is limited. Animals like sharks, rays, and some types of catfish use electroreception to locate prey, navigate, and communicate with each other. The mechanism behind electroreception involves specialized cells called electroreceptors, which can sense changes in electric fields produced by other living organisms. These receptors allow animals to detect the weak electrical signals generated by muscle contractions and nerve impulses, helping them to hunt and interact with their surroundings effectively.