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Zebra Mussels. Distribution. Where is it from? Zebra mussels are from Balkans, Poland. Where, when and why was it introduced?
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Distribution • Where is it from? • Zebra mussels are from Balkans, Poland. • Where, when and why was it introduced? • Zebra mussels were introduced into the Canadian side of lake St.Clair. It was introduced in the year of 1988. The belief of its introduction was that they were carried away in a freshwater European port in the ballast water. • Where can they be found today? • Zebra mussels can be found in north America.
Effects on Ecosystem • What changes have been observed in the ecosystem since the species introduction? • The changes that have been observed in the ecosystem since zebra mussels have been introduced, so far scientists and biologists have reported 3.2 changes that they have observed. In my research it has showed that when species are not native to a certain area are introduced. And then they some how take over and start to reproduce quickly. Then they tend to take food and nutrients away from native species. Shortly after this occurs the native species suffer the consequences, some to where they have to be extinct. A species that was introduced might not have any known natural predators(like the zebra mussels) and then take over that certain area so that other organisms do not survive. • When the zebra mussels were introduced some thought that it would solve problems but it created more. When the mussels were introduced into the great lakes it created a massive problem. • How have other organisms been affected? • Other organisms have been affected by extinction. Since the zebra mussels reproduce so quickly it has been a problem for other species to gather any food or space for them to live
Effects on people • How do people interact with this species? • Honestly people don’t interact with this species much. Actually throughout my research I have found that people dislike the zebra mussel species. Zebra mussels have many effects on the people who live in the area by Lake Champlain and effects the people who use the lake. Zebra mussels have been clogging the intake pipes at drinking water facilities that use the lakes water. But the pipes make certain living conditions poor because of constant water flow. That itself provides a source of food and oxygen. • What if, any, consequences are there for humans? • Well with people not really being able to use the pipes, it creates a problem. When zebra mussels fill a pipe they rapidly affect the amount of water coming in and that requires extra expenses for maintenance.
Reasons for success • What information can you find about the species that might explain why it is successful in its new environment? • The information you can find about zebra mussels that might explain why it is successful in its new environment are: • 1). They are reproducing • 2). It’s role in the ecosystem is a consumer. • 3). The population of its species has been increasing more than where it was before it was introduced.
Issuesforthefuture • Are there attempts to control the growth or spread of this species? • No not right now anyway. There were attempts to control this species from growing. But for now they have been thinking of ways to control it. • What are the options? • There have been options to stop this species from spreading. Zebra mussels are controlled with a variety of methods. Many plants install equipment to preoxidize water at the point of intake, while others rely on other chemical treatments, mechanical controls or filtration. Physical barriers and chemical coatings are used to prevent zebra mussels from attaching to structures. The removal is only accomplished with mechanical scrapers, hot water, air, chemicals, and sound. New methods are under investigation. • What are the trade offs of these options? • The trade offs for these options are that it stops the growth of the species, but it might under populate the zebra mussels.
ReferesReferences • www.edquest.ca/pdf/sia71-3notes.html • www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/biology/a_zm.html • www.uvm.edu/envnr/bbay/plankton/zebramusselsandyou.html
This power point was created by: • Hannah Schumacher Room:106/7th grade
