What is meant by migration in a biological context?

Migration in a biological context refers to the movement of individuals between different areas, often in response to seasonal changes or the availability of resources such as food and breeding sites. This behavior is typically observed in various species, including birds, fish, and mammals, which travel significant distances to find more favorable living conditions or their breeding grounds.

Migration can involve the movement of individuals over long distances, such as birds flying from one continent to another during seasonal shifts, or short movements within specific habitats. However, the key aspect of migration is that it encompasses the movement between distinct geographic locations rather than within a single habitat. This distinction is vital for understanding evolutionary adaptations, ecological dynamics, and conservation efforts related to migratory species.