Migration

Definition

Migration is the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another. It is often driven by the need for food, breeding grounds, or suitable living conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Migration can be triggered by changes in temperature, food availability, or daylight length.
2. Birds, mammals, fish, and insects are known to exhibit migratory behavior.
3. Migratory patterns are often genetically programmed but can also be influenced by environmental cues.
4. Some species use landmarks and the Earth's magnetic field for navigation during migration.
5. Migration plays a significant role in ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity.

Review Questions

• What are the main factors that trigger animal migration?
• How do animals navigate during their migratory journeys?
• Why is migration important for ecosystems?

Related terms

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

Proximate Causes of Behavior: Immediate genetic, physiological, neurological, and developmental mechanisms that determine how an individual behaves.

Ultimate Causes of Behavior: The evolutionary reasons behind a behavior, explaining why it was favored by natural selection.