Dead Reckoning

Dead reckoning is the ability possessed, in varying degrees, by both animals and humans to be mentally aware of a starting point at any location and be able to return to the starting location. Animals such as geese, ants, and rats have this ability to a great degree and can easily find their way back to a desired location with ease.

This is an advantageous evolutionary adaptation as it makes it easier for animals that forage for food to find their way home. Humans have this ability as well although not to the same degree as the previously mentioned animals. Studies have shown that children as young as two when blindfolded show the ability to return to a starting point.