Final answer:
Animal magnetism in a scientific context refers to the magnetic fields some animals generate or perceive which aid in survival skills like hunting, defense, and navigation. Electric fish are an example of creatures that create electric fields, using them to hunt or communicate. The Earth's magnetic field also assists animals, like birds and sea turtles, in navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term animal magnetism, can refer to two different concepts. Firstly, and traditionally, it refers to a pseudoscientific belief in a natural force exerted by animals and humans. However, in a more modern and scientific context, it can refer to the magnetic fields that some animals generate or perceive for survival. Here, we discuss the latter, which helps certain species survive by enabling them to engage in activities such as hunting, defense, navigation, communication, and mating.
Electric fish are a classic example of animals that generate electric fields. These fields are used to locate prey in murky waters or communicate with other fish, often in the conductive medium of saltwater. The Earth's magnetic field also plays a critical role in animal survival. For instance, it defends against harmful charged particles from the sun, known as the solar wind.
Some animals, such as migratory birds or sea turtles, are more sensitive to the Earth's geomagnetism, which assists them in navigation. These animals have evolved biological systems that allow them to sense geomagnetic fields, thus enhancing their ability to traverse long distances. Animal behaviors that exploit electrical or magnetic fields have evolved through natural selection, as they confer an advantage in fitness — the ability to survive and reproduce.