Question

Explain three ways by which migration impacts the ecosystem.

Answer 1

1. Alteration of Species Composition: When species migrate to new areas, they can disrupt the existing ecosystem by outcompeting native species for resources like food, water, and shelter. This can lead to changes in the population dynamics, with some species thriving while others decline or even become extinct.
2. Spread of Diseases: Migrating species, especially animals, can carry diseases to new environments, affecting local wildlife and plant life. These diseases can spread rapidly among native species, potentially leading to outbreaks that disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
3. Disruption of Food Chains: Migration can impact food chains by removing key species from one area and introducing them to another. For instance, if a predator migrates out of an ecosystem, it could lead to an overpopulation of its prey, causing overgrazing or depletion of certain plant species. Conversely, introducing a new predator could reduce prey populations and affect species dependent on them.