Migration is a fascinating journey that many animals take. From birds and mammals to reptiles and insects, animals migrate for different reasons. In this article, we’ll learn why animals migrate, the challenges they face, and how they find their way during these long trips.
One big reason animals migrate is to find food and other resources. As the seasons change, some places become too cold or too hot, making it hard for animals to survive. For example, when winter comes, food might become scarce, so animals move to places where they can find more food. They also look for the best places to raise their young and find safe spots to live.
Sometimes, the best places to eat aren’t the best places to have babies. Take the humpback whale, for example. In the warmer months, they feed in areas full of food. But when it’s time to have babies, they travel up to 5,000 miles to warmer waters, even if there’s less food there. During this journey, they often don’t eat at all!
Pacific salmon have a tough migration too. They live in the ocean as adults but swim back to the rivers where they were born to lay their eggs. This journey is dangerous, and only about one in a thousand salmon make it back to their birthplace.
How do animals know where to go when they migrate? They use some amazing skills, like:
One of the most amazing migrations happens in the Serengeti. Over 2 million wildebeests travel from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya between July and October. They face many dangers, like crossing the Mara River, where predators wait. This journey shows how far animals will go to find food and keep their young safe.
Animal migrations are incredible journeys that help animals survive by finding food, safe places to have babies, and better climates. They use their instincts and the environment to guide them. By understanding these migrations, we learn about the strength of wildlife and why it’s important to protect their homes.
Imagine you are a bird preparing for migration. Create a map showing the route you would take, including the start and end points. Use different colors to indicate the various challenges you might face, such as mountains or rivers. Label the map with the resources you would need along the way, like food and rest stops.
Let’s play a game! You’ll be a migrating animal. Create a board game where each space represents a part of your journey. Include obstacles like predators or bad weather and rewards like finding food or a safe resting spot. As you play, think about how these factors affect your migration success.
Test your navigation skills! Set up an obstacle course in your backyard or classroom. Use a compass, the position of the sun, or landmarks to find your way from start to finish. Discuss how animals might use similar techniques during their migrations.
Write a short story from the perspective of a migrating animal. Describe the reasons for your journey, the challenges you face, and how you navigate. Share your story with the class and discuss the different migration experiences of various animals.
Calculate the distance traveled by a migrating animal, like the humpback whale. If a whale travels 5,000 miles at an average speed of 3 miles per hour, how many hours does it take to complete the journey? Use this information to create a timeline of the migration.
Migration – The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another – Many birds begin their migration to warmer areas when the climate becomes too cold.
Animals – Living organisms that feed on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems – In the forest, there are many different animals, including deer, foxes, and birds.
Food – Substances consumed by organisms to provide energy and nutrients – Plants use sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
Resources – Materials or substances that organisms need to survive and grow – Water and sunlight are essential resources for plants to thrive.
Breeding – The process by which animals produce offspring – During the spring, many animals focus on breeding to ensure the survival of their species.
Climate – The typical weather conditions in a particular area over a long period – The desert has a hot and dry climate, which affects the types of plants and animals that can live there.
Navigation – The ability of animals to find their way from one place to another – Sea turtles have an incredible sense of navigation, allowing them to return to the same beach where they were born.
Skills – Abilities or expertise needed to perform tasks – Young birds must learn important skills, such as flying and finding food, to survive in the wild.
Wildlife – Animals and plants that live and grow in natural conditions – The national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and wildflowers.
Environment – The surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives – Pollution can harm the environment, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive.
