Which statement best defines dispersal in mammals?

• A. Movement away from birthplace to breed or establish elsewhere.
• B. Seasonal, directed movement between habitats.
• C. Daily foraging within a fixed home range.
• D. Remaining in the natal area to raise offspring.

Answer: (A)

Dispersal is the movement of an individual away from its birthplace to breed or establish somewhere else. This differs from migration, which is a seasonal, directed move between habitats often tied to breeding or resource changes and may recur each year. It also isn’t staying in the natal area to raise offspring, which is natal philopatry or remaining in the birthplace. The purpose of dispersal is to reduce competition and inbreeding and to allow gene flow and potential colonization of new areas, which is why this definition best captures the idea of relocating to reproduce elsewhere.