Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha): Native to Eastern Europe, zebra mussels spread to North America via ballast water in the 1980s. They reproduce rapidly, forming dense colonies that coat underwater surfaces. They clog water intake pipes, damage infrastructure, and outcompete native mussels for food and space. By filtering vast amounts of plankton, they alter water clarity and disrupt food chains, leading to algal blooms and fish die-offs. They attach to boats and equipment, facilitating further spread. Control is costly, involving chemical treatments and mechanical removal. Their presence has caused billions in economic damage to power plants, water systems, and fisheries. Zebra mussels demonstrate how small organisms can have massive ecological and financial impacts when introduced to new waters.
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