Question- The diagrams below show the life cycle of a species of large fish called the salmon.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.Write atleast 150 words.
The diagrams illustrate the intricate life cycle of a species of large fish known as the salmon. Comprising multiple stages, the life cycle showcases the salmon’s remarkable journey from egg to maturity.
Initially, the process commences with the spawning of eggs in freshwater. Subsequently, the eggs undergo an incubation period, developing into alevins. These alevins, characterized by their distinctive appearance with a yolk sac, then emerge and transform into fry. The fry stage witnesses the salmon assuming a more recognizable fish form, characterized by increased mobility.
As the fry matures, it transitions into the parr stage, marked by the development of more defined features. Following this stage, the salmon undergoes a crucial physiological change known as smoltification, where it adapts to the transition from freshwater to saltwater environments. The matured salmon then embarks on a journey downstream to the ocean, where it reaches adulthood and engages in the complex process of spawning, thus completing the life cycle.
Comparatively, the diagrams highlight the multifaceted nature of the salmon’s life cycle, emphasizing its adaptability to both freshwater and saltwater environments. The visual representation effectively captures the stages of egg, alevin, fry, parr, smolt, and adult salmon, providing a comprehensive overview of this awe-inspiring natural process.
