Q64.Given below are two statements :

Statement I :
Migration refers to regular, recurrent and cyclical movement of animals from one place to the other.

Statement II :
Migration occurs to manage the excess of food and water.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

(1) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(3) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(4) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

The correct answer is option (3): Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Statement Analysis

Statement I accurately defines animal migration as regular, recurrent, and cyclical movements between locations, typically seasonal and involving entire populations or life stages, like birds flying south in winter and returning north to breed. Statement II misstates the purpose; migration addresses shortages of food and water during scarcity (e.g., dry seasons), not managing “excess,” which contradicts primary drivers like breeding grounds, milder climates, or predator avoidance.

Option Breakdown

• Option (1): Fails because Statement II wrongly frames migration around excess resources, ignoring core reasons like food scarcity or reproduction.

• Option (2): Incorrectly dismisses Statement I, a standard ecological definition upheld across biology texts.

• Option (3): Matches facts—definition holds, but purpose excludes “excess” management.

• Option (4): Reverses reality by validating the flawed purpose while rejecting the precise definition.

Introduction: Understanding Migration Regular Recurrent Cyclical Movement

NEET biology tests animal migration precisely, like “Migration refers to regular, recurrent and cyclical movement of animals” (Statement I) versus “to manage excess food and water” (Statement II). Grasping that migration refers to regular recurrent cyclical movement for survival needs helps score perfectly. This guide analyzes option (3), real reasons, and exam tips.

What Defines Animal Migration?

Migration involves predictable, round-trip journeys by species like Arctic terns (44,000 miles yearly) or wildebeest across Serengeti. Key traits:

• Regular and cyclical: Annual patterns, returning to origins.

• Population-scale: Not random wandering.
  Driven by photoperiod, not excess resources.

Why Statement I Succeeds, II Fails

Statement I nails the definition. Statement II errs—animals migrate to find food/water in lean times (e.g., zebras follow rains), escape winter, or reach breeding sites like salmon returning to spawn. Excess would deter movement.

Correct Choice: Option (3) for NEET Success

Statement I correct (definition), II incorrect (purpose). Trap: Confusing migration with dispersal. Examples: Monarch butterflies avoid cold; Siberian cranes seek India’s warmth.

NEET Prep: Master Migration Questions

• Memorize drivers: Food scarcity, breeding, climate.

• Differentiate from nomadism (no return).

• Link to ecology: Supports biodiversity via gene flow.