Question

Overfishing of salmon has caused populations of wild salmon to decline. To combat this decline, salmon are raised in hatcheries, and then released to the wild. However, researchers have found that hatchery-raised salmon have reduced reproductive success in the wild, compared to wild salmon. They have also identified many genetic differences between hatchery-raised and wild salmon.

Answer 1

The differences in the wild and hatcheries make it so the different salmon adapt differently and have different traits.

If salmon are split up into different habitats, one being in the wild and one being in captivity, they will eventually have different adaptations from each other and their offspring will develop traits that are better suited for their environment.

Wild salmon and salmon that are raised in captivity are going to be very different from each other. The salmon in captivity do not have to actively hunt for their food, be wary of certain predators, or may not want to reproduce.

Taking these factors into account, it is very possible that the salmon raised in captivity will have reduced reproductive success compared to the salmon that thrive in the wild. Along with this, they would most likely have many genetic differences from each other and other traits that better adapt to their living situations.