Adaptations
One of the humphead wrasse's adaptations is the way that their teeth and mouth are formed. Their mouth resembles a parrot's beak which allows the wrasse to feed on hard-shelled organisms such as crustaceans, echinoderms, and mollusks. Subsequently, their teeth are located inside of their throat to be able to crush these prey. Next, humphead wrasse are also able to change their gender. Although scientists are not knowledgeable about what triggers this sex change, it could potentially be an adaption as it can be used to this specie's advantage. Lastly, humphead wrasse are known to dwell amongst coral beds during the day. I believe that this has caused them to adapt to eating crown of thorns starfish which feed on the coral. This adaptation not only allows them to keep their habitat intact, but they are also keeping the coral alive since starfish do not have many other predators due to their toxicity. |
Evolution
Very little is known and has been discovered about this rare species of wrasse, including its origins. Scientist greatly lack information on the humphead wrasse which is part of the reason that they are being overlooked. It can only be assumed that in the past, this fish was even larger than it is now since it can currently grow to be six feet long and prehistorically, organisms were generally larger.
Very little is known and has been discovered about this rare species of wrasse, including its origins. Scientist greatly lack information on the humphead wrasse which is part of the reason that they are being overlooked. It can only be assumed that in the past, this fish was even larger than it is now since it can currently grow to be six feet long and prehistorically, organisms were generally larger.
Predictions
Very little has ever been known about the biological aspects of humphead wrasse; scientists are not even aware of what causes these fish to be able to switch genders. However, that is irrelevant since the primary reason as to why this species is threatened is human-related. Therefore, even if this species had the potential to adapt quickly, I doubt it would aid them in their struggle to avoid poachers. The humphead wrasse is naturally rare and it takes about seven years for them to reproduce. This means that there isn't very much variation amongst the few existing wrasse and they aren't even being born quickly which does nothing to help their situation. In conclusion, I would say that humphead wrasse do not have the potential to develop new adaptations before they go extinct; not that it would make a difference.
Very little has ever been known about the biological aspects of humphead wrasse; scientists are not even aware of what causes these fish to be able to switch genders. However, that is irrelevant since the primary reason as to why this species is threatened is human-related. Therefore, even if this species had the potential to adapt quickly, I doubt it would aid them in their struggle to avoid poachers. The humphead wrasse is naturally rare and it takes about seven years for them to reproduce. This means that there isn't very much variation amongst the few existing wrasse and they aren't even being born quickly which does nothing to help their situation. In conclusion, I would say that humphead wrasse do not have the potential to develop new adaptations before they go extinct; not that it would make a difference.