Which ecological process is best described by the statement: "Migration causes a temporary appearance of new organisms in an ecosystem, but not a permanent one"?

• A. Speciation
• B. Immigration
• C. Emigration
• D. Seasonal migration

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms in the problem: 'speciation,' 'immigration,' 'emigration,' and 'seasonal migration.' Speciation refers to the formation of new species, immigration is the movement of organisms into an ecosystem, emigration is the movement of organisms out of an ecosystem, and seasonal migration refers to the periodic movement of organisms between ecosystems, often due to environmental changes.
2. Focus on the phrase 'temporary appearance of new organisms in an ecosystem, but not a permanent one.' This indicates that the organisms are not staying permanently, ruling out processes like speciation, which involves long-term changes.
3. Consider the term 'migration' in the problem. Migration typically refers to the movement of organisms from one place to another, often cyclically or seasonally, which aligns with the description of a temporary presence.
4. Eliminate options that do not match the description. Speciation involves permanent changes in species, so it does not fit. Immigration and emigration describe one-way movements into or out of an ecosystem, not temporary or cyclical movements.
5. Conclude that the best match for the description is 'seasonal migration,' as it specifically refers to the temporary and periodic movement of organisms into and out of ecosystems.