Read an Academic Passage

The Phenomenon of Animal Migration

Animal migration is the large-scale movement of a species from one place to another, often on a seasonal basis. This behavior is a fundamental survival strategy, primarily driven by the need to find food, better environmental conditions, or suitable locations for breeding. The journeys can be immense, with some species, like the Arctic tern, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year. Migration is a complex, instinct-driven phenomenon that requires incredible endurance and remarkable navigational abilities to overcome the vast distances involved.

Animals use a variety of sophisticated techniques to navigate during their long journeys. Many species rely on celestial cues, such as the position of the sun, moon, and stars. Some birds, for instance, possess an internal "sun compass" that they can calibrate to the time of day. Another critical navigational tool is the Earth's magnetic field, which animals like sea turtles and salmon can sense and use to orient themselves. In addition to these, olfactory cues, or sense of smell, can guide animals back to specific locations, such as their birthplace. These navigational skills are often innate, though they can be refined through experience.

Despite these impressive abilities, migration is a perilous undertaking fraught with numerous challenges. Exhaustion and starvation claim many animals before they can reach their destination. Migrating species are also vulnerable to increased predation, as their predictable routes can be exploited by predators. Furthermore, human activities present significant obstacles. Structures like tall buildings and wind turbines can cause fatal collisions, while habitat destruction at stopover points can deprive animals of essential places to rest and feed, disrupting their ancient and vital journeys.