Travelling long distances to avoid hardships of winter is called migration.
Migration is a phenomenon observed in many animal species, where individuals or populations move from one region to another, typically in response to changing environmental conditions. In the case of travelling long distances to avoid the hardships of winter, it is specifically referred to as winter migration.
Reasons for winter migration:
- Cold temperatures: Many animals, especially those that are not well-adapted to cold temperatures, migrate to warmer regions to avoid freezing temperatures and the associated difficulties in finding food and shelter.
- Lack of resources: Winter is often characterized by a scarcity of food and water sources. By migrating to regions with more abundant resources, animals increase their chances of survival.
- Breeding opportunities: Some animal species migrate to specific regions during the winter to take advantage of better breeding conditions, such as warmer temperatures and availability of suitable nesting sites.
- Predation avoidance: In some cases, migration is a strategy to escape from predators that are more active during the winter months.
Examples of winter migration:
- Birds: Many bird species migrate to warmer regions during winter, as they rely on insects and other food sources that become scarce in colder climates.
- Whales: Some whale species undertake long migrations to reach warmer breeding grounds during winter.
- Butterflies: Certain butterfly species migrate to warmer regions during winter, as their food sources are not available in colder climates.
- Caribou: Caribou herds undertake extensive migrations in search of food and to escape the harsh winter conditions.
Overall, migration is an important adaptive behavior that allows animals to survive and thrive in different environments throughout the year. Winter migration specifically helps animals avoid the hardships of winter and ensure their survival until more favorable conditions return.