I. How long will the hundred million butterflies dropping from the sky over Mexico in November last? The existence

перелёт and reach their destination? The long journey of the Monarchs is full of challenges and obstacles that they must overcome in order to complete their migration.

Firstly, the Monarchs have to navigate their way through extreme weather conditions. They often encounter strong winds, storms, and heavy rainfall during their journey, which can make it difficult for them to fly and maintain their course. Despite their fragility, the Monarchs have developed strong flight muscles and a light body structure that enables them to endure these harsh conditions.

Secondly, the Monarchs face the challenge of finding food and shelter along their migration route. As they travel long distances, they rely on nectar from flowers for nourishment and energy. However, the availability of nectar-rich flowers can vary depending on the season and location. The Monarchs need to locate suitable habitats with abundant flowers in order to rest and refuel during their journey.

Another obstacle that the Monarchs face is the risk of predators. Throughout their migration, they are vulnerable to attacks from birds, spiders, and other insects that prey on butterflies. To protect themselves, the Monarchs display aposematic coloration, which warns potential predators of their toxic nature. This defense mechanism helps to minimize the risk of predation and increases their chances of survival.

Additionally, the Monarchs encounter human-made obstacles such as habitat destruction and pesticide use. Deforestation and the destruction of milkweed plants, which serve as crucial breeding grounds for the Monarchs, have significantly impacted their population. Moreover, the use of pesticides in agriculture can contaminate the butterflies" food sources and harm their health.

Despite these challenges, the Monarchs persist in their migration and strive to reach their destination. The forests in the mountains of central Mexico provide a safe haven for the Monarchs during the winter months. Here, the Monarchs cluster together in large numbers, forming remarkable colonies that cover the trees and branches. They rely on the temperate climate and the protection provided by the trees to survive until spring, when they begin their journey back to the United States and Canada.

In conclusion, the Monarchs face various obstacles during their migration, including harsh weather conditions, scarcity of food and shelter, predation risks, and human impacts. Their ability to overcome these challenges is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. However, it is important for us to understand and address the threats to their survival, such as habitat destruction and the use of pesticides, in order to ensure the continued existence of these beautiful butterflies.