In recent years, scientists have began to discover that some species of fish have adapted very quickly to changes in their environment. It had previously been believed that it took thousands of years for a species to evolve, but the studies of certain fish populations proves otherwise. Brown trout in a river in England show genetic changes that took place during specific industrial moments in England. England was a heavy mining country in past years, which caused many pollutants to be washed into the rivers. Only the trout that have lived there since that time can survive. To prove this, scientists tested 15 different populations of these brown trout. The brown trouts DNA sample showed that the pollution tolerant trout split from the clean river trout when mining was starting and again when it was in full force.
I find this to be a very beneficial study. If trout and other certain species of fish can adapt so quickly to pollution, maybe other types of animals can, too. If so, it would be a great discovery since pollution is a main issue in today's world.
Even though studies have been shown that trout can adapt in pollution, it doesn't mean that other fish can too. All fish have different DNA and some may be tolerant to pollution, but others may not. I do agree with Jacob's statement that "it would be a great discovery since pollution is a main issue in today's world". Pollution is a big issue in today's world and its sad that animals are forced to adapt to their "changed" environment that has been effected by pollution. Hopefully in the next few years, we will find ways to keep fish alive in the polluted water. With the trout being shown to survive in those conditions, there maybe a way to allow other fish to live to.
ReplyDeleteRather than seeing the positive side to this research, I can only see the negative. It is extremely sad that our planet has become so polluted that fish have had to adapt to their natural habitats just to survive in a worse version of what they had before. Instances like these should be looked upon as a message encouraging all humans to take pollution control more seriously, instead of using it as a reason to justify all of the pollution our world has seen and all of the effects that pollution has had on who we share this "home" with.
ReplyDeleteI am in the middle of both Andrea and Kathryn; I see both the positive and the negative aspects to this situation. While it is sad that humans are forcing animals to adapt at the highest rate ever seen, it is amazing that one animal has been able to evolve. In response to Kathryn, I understand that all fish may not adapt but perhaps by analyzing this one species, scientists can develop some type of method to make animals less susceptible to pollution. The fact is that genetically modified organisms exist, regardless of what each individual’s personal views are on this issue. If humanity is able to use one animal’s adaptation to sustain entire animal populations, then we can halt the damage pollution has done. We may not be able to undo the damage humanity has caused in the world through events such as the Industrial Revolution, but we can help animals adapt. I agree with Andrea’s statement “{in regards to fast trout adaptation}…should be looked upon as a message encouraging all humans to take pollution control more seriously.” However, to only look at the negative is a bit pessimistic. While it is sad that this event is happening, we need to use this to advance our world as a whole.
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