The Amazing Salmon Migration
The Amazing Salmon Migration
Have you ever heard of a fish that swims upstream to lay its eggs? That's exactly what salmon do! Salmon are born in freshwater rivers and streams, but they travel all the way to the ocean to grow up. When it's time for them to have babies, they swim back to the same freshwater streams where they were born. This incredible journey is called salmon migration.
The Journey Begins
The journey is long and hard. Salmon can travel hundreds, or even thousands, of miles. They swim against strong currents and jump over waterfalls! It’s like they have a built-in map that guides them. They use the Earth's magnetic field and even their sense of smell to find their way back to their birthplace.
Changes Along the Way
As salmon travel upstream, their bodies change. They stop eating and start using all their energy to swim. Male salmon grow sharp teeth and develop a hump on their back. They also turn bright red, which helps them attract female salmon.
Laying Eggs
- Migration:
- Movement from one place to another.
- Currents:
- Flowing movement of water.
- Nutrients:
- Things that help living things grow.
- Ecosystem:
- A community of living things.
- redd:
- A shallow gravel nest made by a female salmon on a riverbed to lay her eggs.
- fry:
- Young, newly hatched fish that are ready to live and grow in fresh water.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is salmon migration?
- 2Where do salmon start their lives?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“The Amazing Salmon Migration” is a informational reading passage about Salmon Migration, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (360 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.