Habitat Change

Synonyms

Migration

Definition

The changing of a habitat for a given species, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

Introduction

Much of the way we are shaped by evolution is indicative of the kind of environment we had to survive in. Early records show that we, as humans, had to survive at one point in trees as we often see modern primates do. Many primates today are confined to forests, whereby they have developed mechanisms physiologically to be able to climb high distances, especially given the usage of their opposable thumbs. In addition, the diet that keeps them nourished is very indicative of living in trees, such as having to seek out fruits like bananas that may grow at a higher altitude. Therefore, a major question for someone who does not understand the concept of evolution is how we are living as Homo sapienstoday despite there still being monkeys in the wild. Many people choose to understand evolution as a “progression toward perfection.” This is a common misconception –...