The turtles danced with the most enthusiasm in the tank when they knew they would get food. This was "strong evidence" that turtles can learn the magnetic signatures of "specific geographical areas", the researchers said. Even when tested four months later, the turtles still knew where they should dance.

Loggerhead turtles “dance” when exposed to food-associated magnetic fields, and their magnetic map may help them return to specific areas after long migrations.

Researchers found loggerhead turtle hatchlings can be conditioned to recognize magnetic fields, which helps them locate feeding sites.