Migration

Introduction

• Migration is a behavioural adaptation used by various animals to cope with adverse conditions and avoid metabolic adversity.
• It involves the movement of organisms from one location to another in search of a more suitable environment.

Examples of Migration

• Birds often migrate during different seasons, such as flying south for the winter and returning north for breeding.
• Wildebeest engage in annual migrations in search of rich grazing grounds.
• Atlantic salmon undergo migration between freshwater and saltwater environments during their lifecycle.

Influence of Innate and Learned Behaviours

• Migratory behaviour can be influenced by innate (instinctive) or learned behaviours.
• Some species, like the bar-tailed godwit, possess an instinctive ability to migrate from birth.
• In contrast, other animals, such as certain birds, must follow their parents to learn migration routes for future years.

Energy Expenditure

• Migration often requires the expenditure of energy.
• Despite the energy cost, it allows organisms to relocate to more favourable environments, avoiding adverse conditions and metabolic challenges.

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Migration

Significance of Migration

• Migration is a crucial adaptation that helps organisms maintain optimal enzyme activity and high diffusion rates for essential metabolic processes.
• It enables them to survive and thrive in varying environmental conditions.

Summary

• Migration is a behavioural adaptation used by animals to cope with adverse conditions and find more suitable environments.
• Examples include bird migration and the annual movements of wildebeest.
• Migratory behaviour can be influenced by innate or learned behaviours.
• Despite the energy cost, migration is significant for maintaining optimal enzyme activity and high diffusion rates necessary for metabolism and survival.