Decreasing Amounts of Oxygen Lead to Adaptation in Salmon Eggs
According to a study conducted by the University of Southhampton in the UK, Salmon populations have needed to adapt their eggs in order to survive in Rivers where there is a lack of oxygen. The study shows that the membrane of salmon eggs have been evolving in order to survive in places where there are harmful sediments that reduce the amount of oxygen available for the eggs. In addition, it was discovered that in many European rivers, including the Dorchart River, the Tilt River, and both the North and South Tyne Rivers that there has been a decrease in the quality of water due to sediments being washed off the land. Essentially, this change in water quality has forced Salmon populations to change the way in which their eggs are formed so they can better survive in these conditions
In class we learned about the Safe Drinking Water Act and how Water Treatment Facilities are responsible for managing the quality of water of certain bodies of water. As taught, a lot of their problems come from the runoff of sediments and chemicals that catalyze the growth of algae, which in turn eats up the amounts of oxygen in the water, which has a harmful effect on the organisms that live there. As the article stated, this is likely the reason why the Salmon have had a hard time laying eggs, and have had to form an adaptation.
Ultimately, the study shows that the membrane of the salmon eggs have been becoming thinner, so the embryos can get a better flow of oxygen. Many populations are still experiencing this transformation, which has resulted in the loss of many salmon. In conclusion, this study shows how the harmful effects of the actions done by humans can have a negative effect on wildlife, as well as the environmentÂ
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190131113943.htm