Page 232 - The Evolution Deceit

230 THE EV O LU TION DE CEIT

keep its wings outstretched. Flying for hours by making exclusive use of
wind provides an unlimited energy source for it. For instance, a 10-kilo-al-
batross loses only 1% of its body weight while it travels for 1,000 kms. This is
indeed a very small rate. Men have manufactured gliders taking albatrosses
as a model and by making use of their fascinating flight technique. 197

An Arduous Migration
Pacific salmon have the exceptional characteristic of returning to the
rivers in which they hatched to reproduce. Having spent part of their lives in
the sea, these animals come back to fresh water to reproduce.
When they start their journey in early summer, the colour of the fish is
bright red. At the end of their journey, however, their colour turns black. At
the outset of their migration, they first draw near to the shore and try to
reach rivers. They perseveringly strive to go back to their birthplace. They
reach the place where they hatched by leaping over turbulent rivers, swim-
ming upstream, surmounting waterfalls and dykes. At the end of this 3,500-
4,000 km. journey, female salmon readily have eggs just as male salmons
have sperm. Having
reached the place where
they hatched, female
salmon lay around 3 to 5
thousand eggs as male
salmon fertilise them. The
fish suffer much damage as
a result of this migration
and hatching period. Fe-
males that lay eggs become
exhausted; their tail fins are
worn down and their skin
starts to turn black. The
same is true also for males.
The river soon overflows
with dead salmon. Yet an-
other salmon generation is
ready to hatch out and
make the same journey.