Animal Migration Essay

Migration

Migration is the movements or travels made by animals to locations outside of their natural environment for an extended period of time (Dingle 2007). Typically when migrating, animals are searching for a sustainable location with many of the resources needed available. Some animals migrate back and forth between the same areas while others avoid returning to the same area. A rule of thumb when discussing where animals migrate is by looking at the animal’s life span. Animals with a longer life span tend to return to their original location over time whereas animals with a shorter life span tend to continue on to new locations over time. At least one organism within each of the five vertebrate classes has been documented to participate in migration. Later, the migration of fish (specifically the salmon) and birds will be discussed more in depth but first a basic knowledge of migration and what all that in tails needs to be apparen t.

There are many ways to track the migration of animals and tracking methods have been improved over time. American naturalist John James Audubon, in 1803, was the first recorded person to question and somewhat track the migration of birds. He questioned whether or not a group of migrating birds that left for the winter, came back in the summer. To test this he tied a string around the leg of one of the birds in question and waited. To his satisfaction the bird with the string around its leg did indeed return to the north for summer. For obvious reasons this was not considered the most accurate form of tracking but it was a start .

Another method used for tracking animals is called radio tracking. Radio tracking involved two components; the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter wa...

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... to a decrease in the overall salmon population which in turn can affect the fishing industry and even more so the economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not all migration occurs in the same way or is even triggered by the same things. While some migration is triggered by genetics other migration can be learned over time or can be forced to occur due to a need for resources. Resources that can drive this movement of animals are not only food, water, and shelter, but a need for reproductive advantages as well. Whether by internal compasses or biological clocks something is contributing to an individuals need for movement and its survival. As shown when comparing salmon and birds; both animals need to migrate. Although the reasons why and how are different, the overall need is still there making this a very important aspect when studying animal movement and behaviors.