Invasive Species
The Great Lakes ecosystem has been severely damaged by more than 180 invasive and non-native species. Species such as the zebra mussel, seen here, the quagga mussel, round goby, sea lamprey, and alewife reproduce and spread uncontrollably. It is extremely difficult to control the spread of an invasive species once it is established, which makes prevention the most effective way to deal with organisms that have not yet entered or become established in the Great Lakes.
Zebra mussels are originally native to Russia. In the mid-1980's, zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lake region of the United States where they rapidly reproduced; females can produce up to one million eggs per year. Besides being rapid reproducers, the zebra mussel has outcompeted native because because
Responses
A they have no known predators.they have no known predators.
B they have no known competitors.they have no known competitors.
C they interfere in the local aquatic food web.they interfere in the local aquatic food web.
D they are camouflaged and escape being captured.they are camouflaged and escape being captured.