Tracking Migration

Biology

Introduction

• Studying long-distance migration of animals is essential to understand their behaviour and adaptations.
• Specialised techniques, such as individual marking and radio or satellite tracking, are used for this purpose.

Individual Marking

• Individual marking involves capturing an animal and tagging it with markers like metal leg rings.
• The marked animal is released to undergo its migration.
• To gather data, the animal must be recaptured later.

Radio or Satellite Tracking

• Radio or satellite tracking involves attaching a transmitter or geolocator to the animal.
• Transmitters can be in the form of radio collars around the neck or ankle.
• A receiver picks up the signal transmitted by the animal, allowing precise tracking of its location.

Benefits of Tracking

• Tracking enables the precise mapping of an animal's migratory path.
• Data can be transmitted in real-time without the need to recover the transmitter.
• This technique provides valuable insights into migration patterns and behaviour.

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Tracking Migration

Significance

• Tracking migration is crucial for understanding how animals maintain optimal enzyme activity and high diffusion rates during their journeys.
• It helps scientists uncover the strategies and adaptations that allow animals to thrive in varying environments.

Summary

• Long-distance migration is studied using techniques like individual marking and radio or satellite tracking.
• Individual marking involves tagging animals with markers and recapturing them later.
• Radio or satellite tracking uses transmitters to monitor animals' movements in real-time.
• Tracking provides valuable insights into migration patterns and adaptations, aiding our understanding of how animals maintain metabolism during migration.