Which term denotes migratory restlessness observed in animals before long journeys?

Which term denotes migratory restlessness observed in animals before long journeys?

• A. Constant frequency
• B. Cryptochromes
• C. Echolocation
• D. Zugunruhe

Answer: (D)

Migratory restlessness is the idea that animals show a clear, purposeful agitation as a cue that a long journey is coming. In birds, this often looks like increased activity, pacing, fluttering, and sometimes nocturnal flights or pre-dawn excitement, especially when kept in controlled settings. It’s an internal timing signal linked to changing day length and cues from the environment, nudging the animal to prepare for migration. This term specifically names that behavior before a long journey, which is why it fits here. It’s not about a physical constant frequency, a molecule like cryptochromes involved in light sensing, or a navigation technique like echolocation. Those are separate concepts; the term in question is the behavioral expression of impending migration.

Migratory restlessness is the idea that animals show a clear, purposeful agitation as a cue that a long journey is coming. In birds, this often looks like increased activity, pacing, fluttering, and sometimes nocturnal flights or pre-dawn excitement, especially when kept in controlled settings. It’s an internal timing signal linked to changing day length and cues from the environment, nudging the animal to prepare for migration.

This term specifically names that behavior before a long journey, which is why it fits here. It’s not about a physical constant frequency, a molecule like cryptochromes involved in light sensing, or a navigation technique like echolocation. Those are separate concepts; the term in question is the behavioral expression of impending migration.