Final answer:
Some animals adapt to stress by migrating to seek new habitats, a behavior that may have been established in the early generations of a species. This survival strategy may be crucial for avoiding competition, adapting to climate change, or finding new resources. However, not all species successfully adapt to environmental changes, which can lead to an imbalance in ecosystems and have wide-ranging effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Instead of coping with stress, some animals adapt by leaving the population to seek vacant habitats. This behavior, often known as migration, has been observed in various species as a survival strategy. In response to environmental pressures, such as competition for resources or changes in climate, certain individuals may find that seeking new territories can improve their chances for survival. For example, in very early generations of a species, migration could mean teaching their young to carry on this behavior, thus passing on successful survival tactics.
Environmental changes can lead to differing outcomes for species. Some may adapt successfully, whereas others may fail to adjust to new conditions and face extinction. This reality is evident throughout evolutionary history. The lack of adaptation could be due to various factors, including increased predation, habitat destruction, or inadequate resources.
Additionally, an imbalance in ecosystems can cause a domino effect. For example, if a top predator is removed, prey populations can explode, leading to overgrazing and changes that affect other species and the environment. Such was the case when fewer cougars in Utah led to a surge in the deer population, altering local ecosystems. Similarly, the loss of large predators like lions and leopards can indirectly affect human populations through increased contact with disease-carrying species.