Activity 87: Too Many Mussels? Challenge What are the trade-offs of trying to control an introduced species?

Getting Started

PROS to Zebra Mussels Cons to Zebra Mussels

Begin the Activity Perspectiv

eProblem Solution

EngineerChemistBiologistActivist

Complete the After column for statements 11-14 on Student Sheet 77.2

Perspective Problem Proposed Solution

EngineerZM grow in pipes and block

water flow at the water treatment plant. Lots of

money spent to clean them out

Find a coating for pipes that will

discourage ZM from growing in them

ChemistZM grow in containment

ponds of a chemical company

Use Chemicals to kill the ZM, including

their larvae

BiologistZM have damaged the lake ecology. They cleaned the

water, but changed the food web

Use predators such as fish with teeth or

ducks to control the ZM population. Or use parasites to kill

the ZM

ActivistZM change the ecology of

the lakes and rivers in ways that we don’t even know yet

Slow down or stop its spread by rinsing well all the equipment that has been in a lake or

river.

Answer the Analysis Question for Homework/Grade