Migration Quote by Jennifer Ackerman
““MIGRATION IS ANOTHER TRADE-OFF. Birds that migrate have smaller brains than their sedentary relatives. This makes sense, as a brain that consumes a lot of energy and develops slowly would be too costly for birds that travel a lot.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman, 2020
Migration involves trade‑offs; birds that travel long distances have smaller brains to conserve energy, contrasting with sedentary species.
In simple terms: Traveling birds have smaller brains to save energy.
Key Takeaway
Consider energy costs of movement.
Themes
biology
evolution
trade‑off
energy
migration
Mood
curious
analytical
thoughtful
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- studying animal behavior
- conserving energy
- designing efficient travel
- ecological research
Key Concepts
neurobiology
adaptation
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- What other adaptations compensate for smaller brains?
- How do trade‑offs shape evolution?
A Different Perspective
Brain size isn’t the sole measure of intelligence.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
