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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a way that the golden mussel is causing damage to the Amazon River?
Which of the following is NOT a way that the golden mussel is causing damage to the Amazon River?
What is the potential consequence of the golden mussel reaching the Amazon River?
What is the potential consequence of the golden mussel reaching the Amazon River?
What is one method that researchers are exploring to prevent the golden mussel from reproducing?
What is one method that researchers are exploring to prevent the golden mussel from reproducing?
Which of the following is a consequence of the golden mussel's filter feeding habits?
Which of the following is a consequence of the golden mussel's filter feeding habits?
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What is the main reason for the golden mussel's ability to invade new territories?
What is the main reason for the golden mussel's ability to invade new territories?
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What is the comparison made by experts regarding the golden mussel?
What is the comparison made by experts regarding the golden mussel?
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Study Notes
Invasive Golden Mussels Threaten the Amazon River
- The golden mussel, an invasive species from China, is threatening the Amazon River and its unique ecological system.
- The golden mussel reproduces often and releases microscopic larvae that float with the current to new territories, attaching to hard surfaces and forming large, reef-like structures.
- The golden mussel has devastated native clam species in South America by attaching themselves onto local molluscs, sealing them shut.
- The larvae and juveniles of golden mussels have gone into hydroelectric and water treatment plants, clogging pipes and forcing officials to spend millions of dollars every year to clear them out.
- Golden mussels are filter feeders, altering phosphorous and nitrogen levels in the water and producing blooms of toxic algae that can be deadly to animals and humans.
- The golden mussel population has been kept in check in the Pantanal wetlands in western Brazil, but the wetlands are only 1,200 miles away from waters linked to the Amazon.
- The golden mussel could easily reach the Amazon through ballast water contamination or clinging to the hull of a boat.
- Brazil has a law requiring ships to stop at least 200 miles off the coast and empty ballast water, but enforcement is not always effective.
- Researchers are working on engineering a virus or other biological agent to prevent the golden mussels from reproducing.
- The success of this solution could be huge from an economic and biodiversity protection standpoint.
- However, it could take at least four years to develop a solution, and the golden mussel could reach the Amazon in the meantime.
- Experts compare the golden mussel to the zebra mussel, another invasive species that colonized the Great Lakes and eventually spread down the Mississippi River.
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Description
Do you know about the invasive golden mussel and the threat it poses to the Amazon River? Test your knowledge with our quiz and learn about the impact of this Chinese species on the local ecology and economy. From its ability to clog pipes to its devastating effects on native clam species, find out why the golden mussel is a cause for concern. Don't miss out on the latest updates on how researchers are working on a solution to prevent the golden mussels from reproducing, and the potential impact
