Envr 1401 Lab 2 Black And White And Spread All Over

Lab 2: Black and White and Spread All Over: Zebra Mussels Invade the Great Lakes (Due Monday, August 28^th)

Watch the video ch01_media file before beginning this lab. You can find the uploaded video attached to the Lab 2 Assignment.

 As humans put ever-increasing stress on Earth’s systems, our ability to understand these systems has never been more important. This video introduces students to the invasive zebra mussels and its effect on aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes and elsewhere in the US.

• Where are zebra mussels native to? (1 point)

Eurasia

• What led to the spread of the zebra mussels out of its native range? (1 point)

The video does not mention a sign that the zebra populations may be decreasing. However, given that they are yet to spread to other water bodies other than public lakes, rivers and creek. The measures in place by the local government including the rule requiring boaters to drain all water from their boats every time they leave a public lake, river, or creek and creation of awareness might lead to populations to decrease.

• What this (5) Zebra Mussels On the Move - YouTube video and then answer the following questions. Are there zebra mussels in Texas? How can you prevent the spread of zebra mussels? (2 points)

Yes. By draining the water from boats after coming from a public lake, river or creek. Basically by avoiding contact between contaminated and uncontaminated water.

Data from Pimental, D., R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison, 2005. Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecological Economics 52: 273-288.

Black and White and Spread All Over: Zebra Mussels Invade the Great Lakes

• Of the 50,000 species introduced into the United States, half are plants. Describe two ways in which non-native plants might be brought to a new location. How might we help prevent non-native plants from establishing in new areas and altering native communities? (3 points)

They can be brought through;

My behavior could influence the influx and ecological impacts of non-native species by engaging in boating activities in regions where the water might be contaminated by an invasive species. I could then transfer this to other bodies. During landscaping, I might introduce a perceived superior grass which could then affect the native grass. Finally, I could introduce a pet that affects biosystems. To reduce the impacts, I can landscape using the native grass, clean, drain and dry my boat before moving it and avoid releasing an invasive pet.