DWQA Questions › Tag: zebra mussels
Filter:AllOpenResolvedClosedUnanswered
The National Park Service website nps.gov had this to say about Zebra Mussels: “Zebra mussels are small, freshwater, bivalve shellfish that were likely brought to the U.S. as stowaways in the ballast water of ships. They are native to the Caspian and Black Seas south of Russia and Ukraine, and have since become widespread in both Europe and the U.S.” The zebra mussel is a problem because it is so prolific. Each female can release up to a million eggs a year. “Biofouling is [an ecological problem] … Zebra mussels will attach to native mussels much like they do docks, boats, and water and power plant intake pipes, and in large enough numbers can prevent the natives from moving, feeding, reproducing, or regulating water properly. The zebra mussels also outcompete the natives for food and space, and because of their fast reproduction can quickly overwhelm a water system. The feeding habits of zebra mussels can also have a drastic impact on an infested lake. Zebra mussels are filter feeders that siphon particles of plankton from the water. They are highly efficient at this, and a large population of mussels can quickly clear the water of almost all floating particles. This change can cause shifts in local food webs, both by robbing food from native species that feed on plankton and also by increasing water clarity and thus making it easier for visual predators to hunt.” The costs to control and clean up zebra mussel infestations is enormous. And the problem never goes away, it can only be managed. This species is so good at causing problems, it couldn’t have been a truly native creature in the Black Sea either. It seems tailor-made for another WORLD and doesn’t belong here at ALL. What is Creator’s perspective, and what kind of environment is a good fit for this creature?
ClosedNicola asked 23 hours ago • 
11 views0 answers0 votes
Ask Question