Importance of Movement–Dispersal

Dispersal of individuals provides a mechanism for regulating population density. These dispersing individuals maintain gene flow among populations and may supplement populations where recruitment is unable to keep pace with the loss of individuals. For many small species (especially invertebrates), dispersal of individuals provides a mechanism for colonizing habitat, allowing local populations to come and go as habitat is created or eliminated, while maintaining viable regional populations.

Among aquatic communities, the movement of animals helps maintain the balance between predators and prey and facilitates more efficient utilization of food-based energy within the system.