The purpose of this report is to provide a summary and scientific explanation to the Regional Governments on three different hypotheses by three separate experts seeking to explain the decline in the number of the Harp fish species (Dugatkin, 2014). The report is important because the diversity of the Harp fish species is vital to regional tourism. This report will, therefore, look at the hypotheses which give explanations concerning the result in fewer species.
Hypothesis 1: Conservation – Resource Defense Polygyny
Dr. Lure hypothesizes that recreational fishing in the shorelines of the rivers is on the increase and this is interfering with the survival of the males during the nesting season
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Polygyny is a mating system that involves the male fish mating with several females. After mating, the male fish contends for the best nesting parts in the river. The biology of this fish species is that it breeds in the shallow waters, which are often near the shores. After locating a favorable breeding spot, the male fish excavates numerous small nests. The female then comes and lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them. From that point on, the male becomes responsible for providing parental care to the eggs until they hatch. He must also fan them and protect them from predators during that time. The problem, however, is that human interference is tampering with this process (Dodd, 2010). Humans have increased recreational fishing in these areas. As a result, the male Harp fish get caught in numerous numbers while in the business of taking care of their nests. Being caught means leaving their nests vulnerable and unattended since the females do not resume responsibility in such cases. As a result, the survival rate of the eggs goes down as the nests get invaded and the eggs eaten. Another reason is that more male fish get caught as opposed to that of the females, which means that the chances of having high success rate nest preparations and fertilizations becomes low. The few male populations that are left may not be in a position to fertilize and guard as many eggs.
Hypothesis 2: Run Away Sexual Selection
Dr. Foresight believes that heightened turbidity rates interfere with the process of females selecting their preference males which is hurting the fish populations.
The Harp fish are a variety species that have different shapes and colors. Depending on their habitat, the fish display shades of blue and green, with the males having brighter colors. The males of deeper waters are blue in color while those of shallow waters are pigmented red. Different researches conducted on the Harp fish for the longest time indicate that the species have evolved. Sexual selection has maintained this assortment. By this, females have shown a preference for males with a particular coloration. However, the fish have not developed reproductive isolation mechanisms since they are newly evolved. This means the production of a viable offspring that is derived from the mating of two different species. The female inclination to particular colored fish can be due to their attractiveness. At the same time, it has been noted that brightly colored male fish make have a bold characteristic as they guard their nests aggressively and this helps in ensuring the survival of the offspring. Also, these males contend for the best nesting areas by the shore which is an attractive trait to the females. Turbidity is increasing due to water pollution. As a result, the females cannot spot the males of their choice, and their absence does not deter their decision.
Hypothesis 3: Decline in Prey Available and Invasive Species Introduced
Dr. Gill is of the impression that turbidity in the water makes it difficult for the Harp fish species to locate their prey. The introduction of the nonnative pike and the lack of food has resulted in a decline of the guppy species
Human interference has led to the introduction of different species into the rivers where the Harp fish species thrive. The nonnative pike is a fish species that was introduced into the rivers. The two species depend on the same type of prey which means that competition for food must increase (Tyus, 2012). The lack of enough food means that some fish do not feed. In such conditions, the Harp fish population cannot sustain its numbers which leads to decreased populations. Turbidity in the water which makes it difficult for the Harp fish to locate their prey together with the introduction of the new species has caused the guppy species slowly die off. The long-term effect on the species as a whole is that it cannot evolve or thrive as a result.
Conclusion
The decline in the population of the Harp fish species has been a cause for concern as the diversity of the species is vital to regional tourism. This has brought together teams of researchers who have been working towards finding the cause of the decline. Three experts developed individual hypothesis that explains the matter. This report, therefore, explains the three assumptions by the three experts.
References
Dodd, C. (2010). Amphibian ecology and conservation : a handbook of techniques . Oxford England New York: Oxford University Press.
Dugatkin, L. (2014). Principles of animal behavior . City: W.W. Norton & Company.
Tyus, H. (2012). Ecology and conservation of fishes . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
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