Question

Monarch butterflies in the eastern regions of North America migrate thousands of miles to an area in Mexico in the fall and then back to northern regions in the spring. Explain how this migration behavior came to be established in this species.

Answer 1

The migration behavior of Monarch butterflies is established through genetic inheritance, environmental cues, and natural selection. Changes in day length trigger hormonal and nervous system changes that result in migration-related behaviors. Monarchs also rely on environmental cues to determine their migration route and timing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The migration behavior in Monarch butterflies is established through a combination of genetic inheritance, environmental cues, and natural selection. Monarchs have a genetic predisposition for long-distance migration, which allows them to navigate thousands of miles to their winter and summer habitats.

Changes in day length trigger hormonal and nervous system changes in Monarchs, which result in behavioral changes associated with migration. These changes include increased flight activity and orientation towards their destination.

Furthermore, Monarchs rely on environmental cues, such as temperature and food availability, to determine their migration route and timing. This behavior has been established over generations through natural selection, as butterflies that successfully migrate have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing.