Migration and Navigation - Key terms



BIOLOGICAL CLOCK:

A mechanism within an organism (for example, the pineal gland in the human brain) that governs biological rhythms.

ECHOLOCATION:

The use of sound waves, which are reflected back to the emit ter, as a means of navigating.

INSTINCT:

A stereotyped, or largely unvarying, behavior that is typical of a par ticular species. An instinctive behavior does not have to be learned; rather, it is fully functional the first time it is per formed.

MIDDLE EAR:

A small cavity that transmits sound waves, via a network of tiny bones, from the eardrum, which lies between it and the outer ear. Bats use the middle ear to separate transmission and reception signals in echolocation.

MIGRATION:

A pattern of movement, usually regular and seasonal, whereby animals travel (typically guided by instinct) to specific locations.

NATURAL SELECTION:

The process whereby some organisms thrive and others perish, depending on their degree of adap tation to a particular environment.

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