ZoologyLesson 2 of 3 in the course Animal behaviour

Animal Migration: Patterns, Rhythms, Examples, and Tracking

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Animal migration is a widespread behavior found in many kinds of animals. This lesson explains what makes a movement a migration, how migration varies among individuals, and why animals move.

Animal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of animals, usually on a seasonal basis. It occurs in all major animal groups, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and crustaceans.

All flashcards

What is animal migration?
Sustained movement that takes an animal or population to another area, often seasonally or during a major life stage.
What makes migration different from local wandering?
Migration is generally a regular annual or seasonal event, or a major habitat shift during an animal’s life.
What is facultative migration?
Migration that individuals may undertake but are not required to make; some may remain where they are.
How do partial and complete migration differ?
In partial migration, some individuals move and others stay. In complete migration, all individuals in the population migrate.
What is an irruption?
An irregular, non-cyclical movement that may occur in response to pressures such as food scarcity or overcrowding.

Quiz questions

  1. In fish, what does diadromous describe?Answer: Movement between freshwater and saltwater.
  2. How do geolocators help researchers study small migrating birds?Answer: They record light levels to estimate movement, usually after the bird is recaptured.
  3. What is a typical trade-off of GPS tracking devices for animals?Answer: They provide accurate positions but are generally heavier and more expensive.
  4. Which mistaken account was told about barnacle geese in medieval Europe?Answer: They were said to grow from goose barnacles attached to driftwood.
  5. Which pairing correctly distinguishes circadian and circannual rhythms?Answer: A daily biological cycle and a yearly biological cycle, respectively.

Based on the Wikipedia article Animal migration, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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