The Convergent Evolution of Feeder Fish and Shrimp
Introduction
Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche. Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche. Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche (OpenStax College, 2013).
Discussion
Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche. Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche. Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp fill the same ecological niche (OpenStax College, 2013).
1. Describe what makes this trait an adaptation.
A trait is simply a physiological or behavioral feature, whereas a trait / adaptation is one that is inheritable, serves a functional purpose, and increases the fitness of the organism (Understanding Evolution, n.d.). In the case of both
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cleaners, their coloration traits is an adaptation used to attract and trigger a docile response in host species, allowing the cleaners to feed on parasites and dead tissue without getting eaten themselves. 2.
Briefly describe how the traits evolved; e.g., mutation, genetic drift, migration and/or natural selection. Be sure to support your answer with evidence
In the cleaner fish it is believed that the signal coloration trait evolved from existing lateral coloration lines present in many schooling fish. Over time natural selection selected out the color trait which best triggered an existing cleaner / host response (Arnal et al, 2006). For Lysmata amboinensis a red / orange color mutation was introduced into the Lysmata genus with those inheriting both high contrasting coloration and long white antenna (via natural selection) becoming cleaners.
3. What is the difference between homologous and analogous trait? How does your trait of choice fit either of these descriptions?
If multiple species inherit the same trait from a common ancestor, it is a homologous trait, whereas traits emerging independently are analogous traits (Whitson, n.d.). No common ancestor between the two chosen cleaner species shares this trait, therefore it is an analogous trait.
4. What is convergent and divergent evolution? Describe whether the trait is a result of convergent or divergent
evolution. The definition of Divergent evolution is where an ancestral life form evolves into separate and distinct species, conversely, convergent evolution happens when two distinct species evolve independently to exhibit the same evolutionary traits (Biology Online Dictionary, 2016). In the case of the cleaner shrimp and the cleaner fish both independently evolved the same analogous signal coloration trait to identify themselves to client fish as cleaners. Conclusion Cleaner fish and cleaner shrimp both have a cleaning symbiosis relationship with other fish, and have evolved the same analogous signal coloration trait to identify themselves as cleaners to their client fish. This is an excellent example of convergent evolution with both species evolving the same trait independently to take advantage of the same food source. A reasonable supposition is that the trait first emerged in one species (or a now extinct one) to establish a symbiotic relationship with other fish who co-evolved to respond to the signal. Other species, then evolved to take advantage of this same newly established evolutionary niche.
Al Dhaheri, S. and C. Drew. 2003. Guide for the Management of the Brine Shrimp (Artemia Franciscana) at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Terrestrial Environment Research Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Darwin has two theories on the key principles of theory of evolution. One is the natural selection, a species that attains characteristics that are adapted to their environments (Darwin, Charles). The other one is survival of the fittest, which is when an individual best adapts to their environment survive to reproduce, and their genes are passed to later generat...
In the first study examined, “Effect of Different Salinities on the Survival and Growth of Artemina Spp,” researchers Soundaraparian and Saravanakumar designed an experiment to ascertain the ideal conditions for the growth of brine shrimp, or Artemina. In the Introduction, the scientists note the growing significance of Artemina, as it is now used as live feed for over 85 percent of cultured species around the world. Thus, a demand to grow huge quantities of Artemia has arisen, making this study incredibly relevant.
comes from and how they evolved in the manner that they did. This type of
Evolution in general, is a hard concept to grasp. There are multiple factors that effect the outcome a species, for example: genetics, nurture, nature, and the environment all play an important role. It was once said that species do not survive due to the fact that they are the strongest or the most intelligent, but because that species is the most responsive to change.
A trait is a stable characteristic that causes an individual to behave a certain way. A person’s personality is made up of a special combination of various traits that are unique to each individual (Cherry). In 1936, psychologist Gordon Allport categorized all of the traits into three levers: cardinal traits, central traits, and secondary traits. He said that cardinal traits are traits that dominate an individual’s whole life, that central traits are general characteristics that form the basis of the personality, and that secondary traits are traits that refer to specific attitudes or preferences that only appear in certain situations (Cherry).
According to Darwin and his theory on evolution, organisms are presented with nature’s challenge of environmental change. Those that possess the characteristics of adapting to such challenges are successful in leaving their genes behind and ensuring that their lineage will continue. It is natural selection, where nature can perform tiny to mass sporadic experiments on its organisms, and the results can be interesting from extinction to significant changes within a species.
Syncaris Pacifica is a scientific names another name for Syncaris Pacifica is a The California freshwater shrimp. This species is often translucent to transparent. Both male and female are capable of considerable coloration altering, as a sophisticated form of camouflage. The Shrimps is endemic to 16 coastal streams in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa countries north of San Francisco Bay. Also Syncaris Pacifica is one of four atyid shrimps species endemic to North America. The shrimps are found in low elevation. The max elevation the shrimps can live in is one hundred twenty five meter. In 1986 the California freshwater shrimps were listed endangered specie and until now the shrimps still listed as endangered. Current population for California freshwater shrimps is unknown. The shrimps survive by eating the various microscopic organisms that live in the stream. The adult size of the shrimps is less than three inches. The shrimp have two antenna. The first antenna is short and the second one is three times longer then the first one.
environments. Evolution is the idea that while organisms exhibit certain traits, they are not fixed and are able to be altered through progressive adaptation. Adaptation occurs through the passing of traits from an organism pa...
Work Cited Colby, Chris. A. Web. " An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology." 28 August 2015.
The comparative method is a species that can be studied and compared to the search of understanding human behavior. The physiological outlook elucidate the performance of how the nervous system and hormones reacts to the body, what precedent of the transformations in the structure can affect one’s behavior, and how the brain operates. For example, when a cardiologist operate on someone’s heart. He has the expectation of extending that individual's life (Thomas Spray). Another comparative method utilized is the investigation of inheritance. This technique engages a species inheriting genes from its parents. For instance, when the offspring with dark skin complexion begat blue eyes this trait is hereditary. Each of these biological aspects consisting of the comparative, physiological and the genetic systems explicates human behavior. This dissertation will focus on the brain, the nervous system, and the ways in which these physiological mechanisms interrelate.
This has significance when looking at pollution and the effects it has on marine life because: “Pollution controls and habitat restoration have had important roles in the recovery of diadromous fishes. Overall, in terms of relative importance of the different factors, it has been shown that 95% of recoveries of exploited marine species in estuarine and coastal regions were enabled by
more than half the variation was found to be due to heredity. Among these traits were
These reefs provide a house for many species. If the coral reefs were to become