Zebra Mussels What is a Zebra Mussel? Zebra mussels are an invasive species and are prominent pests. They were first introduced to Europe in the early 19th century and moved with ships to North America in 1986. They feed off phytoplankton and devastated the Great Lakes' mussels. They are originally from Asia and freshwater mollusc.
Characteristics: Zebra mussels produce hundreds of thousands of eggs per year. They start off as larva and develop a shell using "byssal threads." They are the only freshwater mussels that can attach to things. They are about the size of a fingernail and a characterized as having alternating stripes of yellow and black. The mussels can only live to about 4 or 5 years of age, and mainly feed off of algae.
Native Habitat:
This species was originally found in the southern lakes of Russia. This species is currently still living there but has also spread to other countries around the world. The Zebra Mussel is an invasive species.
Invasion and Effects: There is a strong belief that that the Zebra Mussel travel on the hull of ships coming from Europe. The ships would use ballast water to keep the ship balanced, and when they"d port they'd dump it with the cargo along with the mussels. They increased their population quickly and with ease. They wiped out phytoplankton and slowly the found chain has began degrading. Multiple organisms have declined in population, one being a crustacean. Since it's a major food source, its predators have also had some populations decline. Another problem with the mussels is that the clog pipes for food causing problems in water systems. They travel fast though by attaching themselves to almost everything includingrecreational boats. Unfortunately, as larva they are to small to be seen by the naked eye making them are to stop.
Population distribution of North America
Taking Action: To stop the spread while scientist try and investgate further into this pests habits and biology they are recommending that people keep up boat hygiene so the mussels don't travel with them. Also that they zebra mussels are not used or transported as bait or food, and not as pets. Lastly, do not take water from live wells or bait buckets to a different water source. Dispose of it through the trash or on land. What's Learned: Human activity can cause major disruptivity in ecosystems. Introducing alien species can throw off the equalibrium in biodiveristy. We have to watch our impact and be sure to protect the ecosystems inout own environment.
What Can I Do: There's not much an average joe can do except for what listed above and keep updated on an new information coming to light and follow any protocol given at recreation campgrounds and beaches.
Science TexBook
Blake, Leesa, Michael Mazza, Alex Mills, Frank Mustoe, Jim Ross, Thomas Stiff. ON Science 9. Canada: The Mcgraw- Hill Ryerson, 2009. Print.
B3.5 Identify various factors related to human activity that have impacted on ecosystems (the introduction of invasive species) and explain how these factors affect the equilibrium in an ecosystem.
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What is a Zebra Mussel?
Zebra mussels are an invasive species and are prominent pests. They were first introduced to Europe in the early 19th century and moved with ships to North America in 1986. They feed off phytoplankton and devastated the Great Lakes' mussels. They are originally from Asia and freshwater mollusc.
Characteristics:
Zebra mussels produce hundreds of thousands of eggs per year. They start off as larva and develop a shell using "byssal threads." They are the only freshwater mussels that can attach to things. They are about the size of a fingernail and a characterized as having alternating stripes of yellow and black. The mussels can only live to about 4 or 5 years of age, and mainly feed off of algae.
Native Habitat:
This species was originally found in the southern lakes of Russia. This species is currently still living there but has also spread to other countries around the world. The Zebra Mussel is an invasive species.Invasion and Effects:
There is a strong belief that that the Zebra Mussel travel on the hull of ships coming from Europe. The ships would use ballast water to keep the ship balanced, and when they"d port they'd dump it with the cargo along with the mussels. They increased their population quickly and with ease. They wiped out phytoplankton and slowly the found chain has began degrading. Multiple organisms have declined in population, one being a crustacean. Since it's a major food source, its predators have also had some populations decline. Another problem with the mussels is that the clog pipes for food causing problems in water systems. They travel fast though by attaching themselves to almost everything includingrecreational boats. Unfortunately, as larva they are to small to be seen by the naked eye making them are to stop.
Taking Action:
To stop the spread while scientist try and investgate further into this pests habits and biology they are recommending that people keep up boat hygiene so the mussels don't travel with them. Also that they zebra mussels are not used or transported as bait or food, and not as pets. Lastly, do not take water from live wells or bait buckets to a different water source. Dispose of it through the trash or on land.
What's Learned:
Human activity can cause major disruptivity in ecosystems. Introducing alien species can throw off the equalibrium in biodiveristy. We have to watch our impact and be sure to protect the ecosystems inout own environment.
What Can I Do:
There's not much an average joe can do except for what listed above and keep updated on an new information coming to light and follow any protocol given at recreation campgrounds and beaches.
Work Cited:
http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/Nonindigenous_Species/Zebra_mussel_FAQs/zebra_mussel_faqs.html
Benson, Amy. Zebra Mussel FAQs.USGS.USGS, 09/03/13. Web. 12/15/13.
Science TexBook
Blake, Leesa, Michael Mazza, Alex Mills, Frank Mustoe, Jim Ross, Thomas Stiff. ON Science 9. Canada: The Mcgraw- Hill Ryerson, 2009. Print.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/zebramussel/index.html
Zebra Mussel. Minesota Departement of Natural Resources. Equal Opportunity Employer, 2013. Web. 12/15/13.
B3.5 Identify various factors related to human activity that have impacted on ecosystems (the introduction of invasive species) and explain how these factors affect the equilibrium in an ecosystem.
Answers to questions on topic.
Choses relevant and interesting pictures, videos, and links.
Spelling, grammar, neatness and organization.
Apply functions and capabilities of Wiki to page.