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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

life histories, brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, cutthroat trout

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

The cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) is a member of the Salmonid family native to the western North America. Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is also a member of the salmonid family but a native to eastern North America, but has been introduced into many areas in western North America due to its popularity as a game fish. Observations of the invasion of nonnative brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) have often resulted in the replacement of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki). While this is the case the underlying reasons for this replacement remain largely unknown (Peterson, 2004). Studies have been conducted looking at ecological relationship of the two species, factors such as recruitment, survival, emigration, immigration and abundance (Peterson, 2004 & Shepard, 2004). The results of these studies concluded that more research is needed on the potential influences of ecological factors on this specific invasion. These questions need to be answered for the benefit of those who wish to protect and conserve stream populations of cutthroat trout (Shepard, 2004).

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