Sharks are considered among the most elusive creatures on the planet. Their wits and the ability to navigate the deep seas have found expression in all kinds of media, from cult classics like Jaws to research papers serving as testimony to their geographical prowess.&nbsp;

Earlier, a study shed light on how sharks evolved to adjust to the changes on Earth and many species in fact had fins to support their movement. All aquatic animals are considered the most ancient creatures on our planet, and also the most well-equipped to changes.

Now, a new study sheds light on how the mighty creatures navigate the seas in the absence of modern technology like ours to guide them. Ever wondered what it would be like to find your way across alien territory with dangers lurking everywhere? Well, that's a regular day in a shark's life.

Turns out, the mighty predators have a natural navigation system of their own. Very much like our GPS, it allows the creatures to navigate the seas without depending on external factors. The best part? It comes in-built into their bodies and personalities, much like the GPS in our cars.

How does this shark-based GPS work?

The system, as per scientists from the Florida State University, allows sharks to employ the Earth’s magnetic forces to successfully undertake dangerous and long journeys with high accuracy.

To understand marine navigation, the researchers from Florida observed 20 bonehead sharks that belong to the hammerhead family. They undertook “magnetic displacement” exercises which were successfully able to replicate locations situated hundreds of kilometres away from where they were captured.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/fossils-of-bizarre-shark-with-wing-like-fins-from-93-million-years-ago-found-in-mexico-371859" hreflang="en">Fossils of 'bizarre' shark with wing-like fins from 93 million years ago found in Mexico</a>

The sharks showed a “homeward orientation” to scientists after being exposed to magnetic cues that tried to recreate the characteristics of a location 603 kilometres (375 miles) away from where they were taken, pointing to the use of magnetic forces in their own GPS system!

The study was published in the journal “Current Biology” and could help scientists understand the puzzling nature of sharks’ navigation in the ocean, whereby they are able to travel long distances and still manage to return to their starting point every year to feed, breed, and to give birth.

The scientists believe that the characteristics of the magnetic forces shown by bonnetheads are probably common to all species of sharks that are capable of travelling long distances in the ocean. Wouldn't our lives also be a lot easier if humans came equipped with a similar navigation system? Perhaps we might evolve to imbibe it in centuries, if not anytime soon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/scientists-discover-three-deep-sea-sharks-that-glow-in-dark-367428" hreflang="en">Scientists discover three deep-sea sharks that glow in dark</a>

Sharks are considered among the most elusive creatures on the planet. Their wits and the ability to navigate the deep seas have found expression in all kinds of media, from cult classics like Jaws to research papers serving as testimony to their geographical prowess.

Sharks are considered among the most elusive creatures on the planet. Their wits and the ability to navigate the deep seas have found expression in all kinds of media, from cult classics like Jaws to research papers serving as testimony to their geographical prowess. Earlier, a study shed light on how sharks evolved to adjust to the changes on Earth and many species in fact had fins to support their movement. All aquatic animals are considered the most ancient creatures on our planet, and also the most well-equipped to changes. Now, a new study sheds light on how the mighty creatures navigate the seas in the absence of modern technology like ours to guide them. Ever wondered what it would be like to find your way across alien territory with dangers lurking everywhere? Well, that's a regular day in a shark's life. Turns out, the mighty predators have a natural navigation system of their own. Very much like our GPS, it allows the creatures to navigate the seas without depending on external factors. The best part? It comes in-built into their bodies and personalities, much like the GPS in our cars. How does this shark-based GPS work? The system, as per scientists from the Florida State University, allows sharks to employ the Earth’s magnetic forces to successfully undertake dangerous and long journeys with high accuracy. To understand marine navigation, the researchers from Florida observed 20 bonehead sharks that belong to the hammerhead family. They undertook “magnetic displacement” exercises which were successfully able to replicate locations situated hundreds of kilometres away from where they were captured. Also read: Fossils of 'bizarre' shark with wing-like fins from 93 million years ago found in Mexico The sharks showed a “homeward orientation” to scientists after being exposed to magnetic cues that tried to recreate the characteristics of a location 603 kilometres (375 miles) away from where they were taken, pointing to the use of magnetic forces in their own GPS system! The study was published in the journal “Current Biology” and could help scientists understand the puzzling nature of sharks’ navigation in the ocean, whereby they are able to travel long distances and still manage to return to their starting point every year to feed, breed, and to give birth. The scientists believe that the characteristics of the magnetic forces shown by bonnetheads are probably common to all species of sharks that are capable of travelling long distances in the ocean. Wouldn't our lives also be a lot easier if humans came equipped with a similar navigation system? Perhaps we might evolve to imbibe it in centuries, if not anytime soon. Also read: Scientists discover three deep-sea sharks that glow in dark

Sharks have in-built navigation system similar to GPS. Here's how it works

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space.&nbsp;The historic launch took 30 minutes until it was confirmed as a successful mission.

However, over 100 countries are fighting COVID-19 right now, but China had other plans. China calls this group of satellites the “Beidou” navigation satellite system.

Beidou is the Mandarin name for the the big dipper constellation and caters to Chinese plans that seek to end dependence on foreign GPS systems.

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Beidou is made for all purposes, from map based navigation on smartphones for civilians, to even guiding the weapons of the People's Liberation Army.

History of Beidou

Back in 1996, China lost its missiles fired across the Taiwan strait, to prevent the country from seeking independence. However, it lost track of two missiles.&nbsp;Later, the Chinese blamed their failure on a sudden disruption of GPS.

The event may have been the guiding principle for the development of this homegrown GPS which has cost the country over 10 billion Dollars.

Before Beidou, China was dependent on the American GPS system, even for its military pursuits. The countries are currently locked in repeated diplomatic rows.

In case of a military conflict with the United States, Beidou will keep the chinese military online.

“The [launch of the final satellite] marks the completion of the global constellation deployment. As I mentioned before, it also marks the full completion of our country's three-step strategy for the navigation satellite system. In the meantime, it is also of paramount significance as one of the key indicators showing our country has taken a step further towards becoming an aerospace power”, said Yang Changfeng, Chief Designer, Beidou navigation satellite system.

The new Chinese global navigation system will help China cement its place in the global technological race, considering there are only a few players in the global GPS game.

Several countries use the American GPS right now. Russia has its own system called “Glonass”. The europeans have the Galileo system. India has its own regional system, called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Similarly, Japan has the quasi-zenith satellite system or QZSS.

However, China has no plans to sell the technology. Last week, the Chinese state media described the navigation system as “a gold key of your home, that should only be kept in your own hands”.

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space.

China today completed the deployment of its own global navigation system. The last of 35 satellites to power China’s homegrown navigation system are now in space. The historic launch took 30 minutes until it was confirmed as a successful mission. However, over 100 countries are fighting COVID-19 right now, but China had other plans. China calls this group of satellites the “Beidou” navigation satellite system. Beidou is the Mandarin name for the the big dipper constellation and caters to Chinese plans that seek to end dependence on foreign GPS systems. × Beidou is made for all purposes, from map based navigation on smartphones for civilians, to even guiding the weapons of the People's Liberation Army. History of Beidou Back in 1996, China lost its missiles fired across the Taiwan strait, to prevent the country from seeking independence. However, it lost track of two missiles. Later, the Chinese blamed their failure on a sudden disruption of GPS. The event may have been the guiding principle for the development of this homegrown GPS which has cost the country over 10 billion Dollars. Before Beidou, China was dependent on the American GPS system, even for its military pursuits. The countries are currently locked in repeated diplomatic rows. In case of a military conflict with the United States, Beidou will keep the chinese military online. “The [launch of the final satellite] marks the completion of the global constellation deployment. As I mentioned before, it also marks the full completion of our country's three-step strategy for the navigation satellite system. In the meantime, it is also of paramount significance as one of the key indicators showing our country has taken a step further towards becoming an aerospace power”, said Yang Changfeng, Chief Designer, Beidou navigation satellite system. The new Chinese global navigation system will help China cement its place in the global technological race, considering there are only a few players in the global GPS game. Several countries use the American GPS right now. Russia has its own system called “Glonass”. The europeans have the Galileo system. India has its own regional system, called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Similarly, Japan has the quasi-zenith satellite system or QZSS. However, China has no plans to sell the technology. Last week, the Chinese state media described the navigation system as “a gold key of your home, that should only be kept in your own hands”.

While the world grapples with COVID-19, China completes its homegrown GPS system 'Beidou' with new launch

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Sharks have in-built navigation system similar to GPS. Here's how it works

While the world grapples with COVID-19, China completes its homegrown GPS system 'Beidou' with new launch