answersLogoWhite

0

What is niche of zebra mussels?

Updated: 10/8/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer

As filter-feeders, they take in water and filter out algae as food, excreting their waste as sediment. A single individual can filter 1 liter of water each day, and a colony covering 1 square meter of substrate can filter 180 million liters of water per year. Enormous colonies of zebra mussels can reduce the algal populations of lakes and rivers, thus removing a significant portion of the base of the food chain and resulting in a decline in the fish populations. Thus, these mussels are a threat to the local biodiversity.

The tremendous filtering capacity of these organisms may have some positive consequences. Zebra mussels have been a major factor in cleaning Lake Erie after a century of pollution from fertilizers and sewage. After the first 10 years of zebra mussel existence in Lake Erie, light penetration in the water has increased from only a few centimeters to nearly 10 meters. If these organisms could be controlled, they may become a useful tool in the treatment of sewage and pollution.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago

Zebra muscles are an invasive species, meaning they have come over from Another Country and don't belong here. The zebra musscles eat plants that the other native organisms need to survive and begin to overrun waters, clog water systems, and kill native animals, though some, like the diving ducks, will eat the zebra mussels. In short, invasive species upset the natural balance of an ecosystem.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

The niche of a zebra mussel is in ballast waters. A niche of a zebra mussel is where the zebra mussel occupies its "habitat".

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

They eat the plants then when the animal eats it the animal gets sick and will die!

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

The Zebra Muscles live on the Great Lakes! The more of these muscles that exist, the less Pearly Muscles that are found anywhere.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

cool and wet

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

bum cracks

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is niche of zebra mussels?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp