Migration and navigation MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 12, 2024

1. What is animal migration?
a) The seasonal movement of animals between different habitats
b) The random movement of animals within a single habitat
c) The permanent relocation of animals to a new environment
d) The behavior of animals remaining stationary throughout their lives
Answer: a) The seasonal movement of animals between different habitats

2. What is “navigation” in the context of animal migration?
a) The process by which animals choose their food sources
b) The ability of animals to find their way to specific locations during migration
c) The behavior of animals establishing territories
d) The method animals use to communicate with each other
Answer: b) The ability of animals to find their way to specific locations during migration

3. Which of the following is NOT a common method of navigation used by migratory animals?
a) Celestial navigation using the position of the sun and stars
b) Magnetic navigation using Earth’s magnetic field
c) Chemical navigation using scent trails
d) Random navigation without any specific orientation
Answer: d) Random navigation without any specific orientation

4. What role does “innate navigation” play in animal migration?
a) It involves learning and memorizing routes during migration
b) It is the instinctive ability of animals to migrate without prior experience or learning
c) It relies on social interactions to determine migration routes
d) It is used to adapt to changes in environmental conditions during migration
Answer: b) It is the instinctive ability of animals to migrate without prior experience or learning

5. How do “scent trails” aid in animal navigation?
a) By providing visual cues for animals to follow
b) By offering chemical markers that guide animals along specific paths
c) By utilizing the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation
d) By using sound waves to locate distant destinations
Answer: b) By offering chemical markers that guide animals along specific paths

6. What is “orienteering” in the context of animal migration?
a) The process of determining the direction and distance of travel
b) The method of social learning used to navigate during migration
c) The technique of using landmarks for navigation
d) The process of altering migration routes based on environmental changes
Answer: a) The process of determining the direction and distance of travel

7. What does “homing” refer to in animal navigation?
a) The ability of animals to return to a specific location after being displaced
b) The practice of animals using landmarks to find new habitats
c) The behavior of animals moving in response to environmental cues
d) The method of animals establishing territories in a new environment
Answer: a) The ability of animals to return to a specific location after being displaced

8. Which animal is known for its remarkable long-distance migration and navigation abilities across the globe?
a) Monarch butterfly
b) African elephant
c) Polar bear
d) Giant panda
Answer: a) Monarch butterfly

9. What is the primary cue used by many migratory birds to navigate during their journeys?
a) Visual landmarks
b) Sound signals
c) Earth’s magnetic field
d) Chemical signals
Answer: c) Earth’s magnetic field

10. What is “cue conflict” in migration studies?
a) The competition between different species for migratory routes
b) The situation where animals rely on multiple environmental cues that provide conflicting information
c) The struggle to find food sources during migration
d) The conflict between migratory and non-migratory behaviors within a species
Answer: b) The situation where animals rely on multiple environmental cues that provide conflicting information

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