Zebbra Muscles
The zebra mussel is a native species of the Europe area. It was originally introduced into the United States by accident, through the ballast water in ocean-going freighters that came from European ports” (Officials). The reason this was possible was because the ballast tanks equalize the weight of the ship and its cargo by filling up with the same water from which the ship floats, and also taking what ever may be in the water into the tanks as well. Then later they empty the water at a different location, relocating what ever was in the tanks to a new ecosystem, where the problems soon followed. Once they were introduced into the lake they began to reproduce at an alarming rate. The problem was at first, just as with most other alien species there were not any known predators in order to keep the numbers at bay. Soon after other problems began to develop. The mussels liked to be around flowing water, because that would bring food to them. This posed a big problem . . .
Also the zebra mussel “devours microscopic plants at the bottom of the food chain” (Faber B1). It was good in it’s own way that people panicked at first because it shows that people care about their environment and it also allowed research to be conducted in order to learn about the species. “Studies on the Mussels have turned up that since they have arrived, the overall life for organisms in the lake have increased” (Levy 14). If a part of the food chain is broken especially close to the bottom then the entire ecosystem suffers. They “have even helped the fish spawning on offshore reefs, because as the mussels eat plankton they excrete a lot of nourishment that helps other bottom-dwellers thrive” (Levy 14). “Research has shown that they can reduce the levels of Cryptosporidium in the water, which is known to cause sickness among humans, along with several types of bacteria” (Vogel 7). It was only at first that this mussel was thought to be all bad, but after a couple years of research that thought was hindered. for those who relied on intake pipes such as power plants. These plants are vital to the survival of the native species of the lake. The mussels are making the water healthier by filtering out possible disease causing agents. Reason being, exotic introductions are permanent and spreading, they can’t be cleaned up like oil spills. Which in turn is really helping the whole food chain, unlike what was previously thought about this species. One of the most obvious is shown by the amazing clarity of the water that makes up lake Erie. In a hundred years it is possible to substantially clean up an oil spill, but for the zebra mussels they will have spread across America.
Common topics in this essay:
Zebra Mussels, B1 Reason, Studies Mussels, Lake Erie, Faber B1, zebra mussel, food chain, lake erie, zebra mussels, levy 14, introduced lake, people panicked, faber b1, intake pipes, oil spill, |
Acceptance Essays
