Final answer:
The behavior of white-tailed deer gaining weight in autumn in the northeast is an example of seasonal adaptation, not migration. They store more fat for the harsh winter months, which is a physiological adaptation to environmental changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior of white-tailed deer gaining weight in the autumn in the northeast is an example of the biological process known as seasonal adaptation. These deer, much like elk and grizzly bears, adjust their bodies' physiological functions according to the seasonal changes. For example, as temperature drops in the autumn and winter months, their bodies start storing more fat serving as a source of energy to ensure their survival in harsher conditions. This behavior represents a clear case of seasonal adaptation in response to environmental factors.
It is worth noting that, while migration is a type of adaptation, whitetail deer in the northeast do not generally migrate long distances for winter. Instead, they adapt by putting on weight before the onset of colder weather, unlike birds or monarch butterflies, which indeed undergo long migrations to warmer climates when their local environment becomes too cold.
Learn more about Seasonal Adaptation