Here's why:
* Fertilization: Salmon reproduce through external fertilization. This means that the female salmon releases her eggs into the water, and the male salmon then releases his sperm to fertilize the eggs.
* Genetic Diversity: The male's sperm provides the genetic material necessary to create offspring with a mix of both parents' genes. This genetic diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of the salmon population.
So, while a female salmon can produce eggs, she cannot create viable offspring without the sperm from a male salmon.