How Climate Change Affects Animal Migration — Passage
Many animals migrate to survive. Migration is the movement of animals from one place to another, often based on the seasons. Birds, whales, butterflies, and even caribou migrate to find food, escape cold weather, or have their babies in a safe place. But now, climate change is disrupting these natural patterns.
One major way climate change affects migration is by changing the timing of the seasons. Many animals rely on temperature or daylight to tell them when to migrate. As the planet warms, spring comes earlier in many places. This can cause birds to arrive at their breeding grounds too soon—before insects hatch or plants bloom. If food isn’t available, fewer baby birds survive.
Another problem is that animals may not find the same food or habitat when they arrive. Melting ice, wildfires, and droughts are changing ecosystems. Some wetlands are drying up, and forests are shifting to different locations. This makes it harder for migratory animals like monarch butterflies and certain fish to find the resources they depend on during their journey.
Some animals are trying to change their migration routes or timing. For example, some birds are flying shorter distances or skipping migration altogether. Others are heading farther north to find cooler areas. But these changes don’t always work, and many species can’t adapt quickly enough.
Climate change can also affect how far animals can travel. Some species lose important stopover spots where they rest and eat during long trips. If those places disappear, the animals may not have enough energy to finish their migration.
Fun Fact: The Arctic tern has the longest migration in the world—traveling over 44,000 miles each year between the Arctic and Antarctica!
What is migration?
When animals hibernateWhen animals move between places seasonallyWhen animals stop eatingWhen animals dig undergroundWhy do many animals migrate?
To avoid other animalsTo find food, stay safe, and raise youngTo follow humansTo explore new habitatsHow does climate change affect the timing of migration?
It makes animals strongerIt causes spring to come laterIt changes when animals think it’s time to moveIt makes animals migrate in winter onlyWhat can happen if birds arrive too early at breeding grounds?
Their eggs grow fasterThey find more foodTheir babies have more spaceTheir food may not be ready yetWhat is one reason animals may not complete their journey?
They sleep too muchThey lose stopover sites to rest and feedThey get too largeThey change colorWhat changes are some animals making in response to climate change?
Flying lowerMigrating shorter distances or to new placesLaying more eggsSleeping during summerWhat is the main idea of the passage?
All animals stop migratingClimate change is disrupting animal migration patternsBirds are growing largerSeasons never changeWhy are wetlands and forests important to migratory animals?
They are colorfulThey provide nesting materialsThey give food and shelter during migrationThey are easier to walk throughRelated Content
