🌈earth systems science review

key term - Great Lakes

Definition

The Great Lakes are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in North America, comprising Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These lakes form the largest system of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and play a crucial role in the ecology and economy of the surrounding regions. The Great Lakes are also significant in terms of their biodiversity and are affected by various ecological challenges, including invasive species that threaten native ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Great Lakes contain about 84% of North America's fresh surface water and about 21% of the world's fresh surface water supply.
  2. Invasive species such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels have significantly disrupted the food web in the Great Lakes, leading to declines in native fish populations.
  3. The introduction of invasive species often results from human activities such as shipping and ballast water discharge from cargo vessels.
  4. Efforts to manage invasive species include monitoring populations, public awareness campaigns, and policies aimed at preventing their spread.
  5. The Great Lakes are not only vital for their ecological functions but also support industries such as fishing, tourism, and transportation, making them essential for the regional economy.

Review Questions

  • How do invasive species impact the biodiversity of the Great Lakes?
    • Invasive species disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources such as food and habitat. For instance, zebra mussels have altered food availability for native fish by filtering out plankton that many fish rely on for food. As a result, this leads to a decline in native fish populations and overall biodiversity within the Great Lakes ecosystem.
  • What role do human activities play in the introduction and spread of invasive species in the Great Lakes?
    • Human activities significantly contribute to the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes through pathways such as shipping, where organisms are transported in ballast water. When ships take on water at one location and discharge it at another port, they can inadvertently release non-native species into new environments. This highlights the need for regulations and practices to minimize human impacts on these delicate ecosystems.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of current management strategies aimed at controlling invasive species in the Great Lakes and suggest potential improvements.
    • Current management strategies for invasive species in the Great Lakes include monitoring programs, public education initiatives, and legislation aimed at preventing new introductions. While these strategies have had some success, improvements could involve increasing collaboration between governmental agencies and local communities for more effective outreach. Additionally, investing in research to develop biological control methods may provide sustainable solutions to combat established invasive populations while preserving native biodiversity.