bèmming

Bèmming is a term used to describe a behavior observed in certain species of lemmings, small rodents found in the Arctic tundra. While often associated with a mass suicidal migration off cliffs, this popular perception is largely a misconception fueled by media portrayals, most notably a 1950s Disney documentary. In reality, lemmings exhibit population cycles that can lead to significant migrations.

These migrations are typically driven by high population densities and resource scarcity. When lemming populations boom, individuals may disperse to find new food sources and territories. These movements can involve crossing bodies of water or navigating difficult terrain. During these migrations, some lemmings may indeed fall into water or off cliffs, leading to mortality, but this is a consequence of the dispersal rather than a deliberate act of self-destruction.

The term "bèmming" itself is sometimes used informally to refer to any large, undirected mass movement, especially one that seems to lack a clear purpose or end goal. However, in a biological context, it specifically relates to the migratory behavior of lemmings driven by population dynamics and environmental pressures. Scientific research on lemming behavior emphasizes population cycles, reproductive strategies, and responses to habitat changes as the primary factors influencing their movements and survival.