What does emigration refer to in ecological terms?

Emigration, in ecological terms, specifically refers to the movement of organisms away from their existing habitat to another location. This process is an important aspect of population dynamics and can influence the structure and stability of ecosystems. When organisms emigrate, they can reduce the population size in their original habitat, potentially affecting competition for resources and the overall ecosystem balance.

This concept also plays a key role in understanding how populations adapt to changing environmental conditions, respond to habitat loss, or seek resources elsewhere, which can lead to increased genetic diversity in new areas. The dynamics of emigration are contrasted with immigration, where organisms move into a new habitat.