Zebra Mussels
Definition
Zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mollusks that attach themselves to surfaces in bodies of water, such as rocks and pipes. They reproduce rapidly and can cause significant ecological and economic damage.
Analogy
Imagine zebra mussels as tiny hitchhikers that stick to boats and other objects in the water. Just like how they can quickly spread from one place to another, imagine them as a group of friends who jump from car to car during a road trip.
Related terms
Invasive Species: Non-native species that disrupt the balance of ecosystems they invade.
Biofouling: The accumulation of organisms on submerged surfaces, such as ship hulls or underwater structures.
Ecosystem Disruption: When an invasive species alters the natural interactions within an ecosystem, leading to negative impacts on native species.
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