Essay On Rainbow Trout

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Adaptation is considered as a characteristic that increases the survival or reproduction rate of an organism. These traits or characteristics could be examined under natural selection or as a feature that is best fit to survive during evolution. An example of adaptation could be seen in the rainbow trout. They are known for using hormone regulation, migration and specific mechanisms to help them survive. Such features are known for increasing their ability to survive and adapt when migrating to and fro different environmental conditions. In this paper, some of these mechanisms/methods will be examined.
The rainbow trout is also known as steelhead and has been classified as a member of the genus Oncorhynchus (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This genus of species is known for migrating to the sea as a juvenile and for returning to fresh water as an adult when they are ready for spawning. Their ability to survive, has allowed biologist to observe, examine and explain the function of these physiological structures and their role in adaptation - but first, their phylogeny will be examined.
The rainbow trout is known for not dying after spawning and for surviving for up to 8 years – in comparison to the Pacific salmon and other Atlantic salmon. However, many biologists wanted to know how they were able to survive and which genus of species they were closely related to. After several sequencing and genetic studies, it was then determined that they originated from Pacific salmon. Based on the results, they were found to have similar growth hormone genes. The two types of growth hormone genes were isolated and sequenced from sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). The genes encoded proteins of 210 amino acids and showed considerable similarity to gr...

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...rate to the ocean. This reproduction process is considered a very vital stage of salmon development and it is from here one can determine whether they will survive. However, it is likely that the larger trout will show aggression to the juvenile or smaller trout (competition/predation).
The rainbow trout are found to be remarkable species. Evidence of their ability to adapt and to use their traits have been evidently advantageous, increasing their ability to survive during development and migration. It is evident they are not able to reproduce without spawning, and without migration they cannot spawn. This concludes that as a result of evolution, their environmental instincts and physical maturation, they have been able to adapt. Regardless of natural selection and predators, it is evident that because of their traits that have been able to survive the longest.

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