Which invasive species require monitoring and treatment to protect water bodies?

Which invasive species require monitoring and treatment to protect water bodies?

• A. Common carp and catfish
• B. Bass and trout
• C. Zebra mussels and rooted aquatic vegetation
• D. Bluegill and sunfish

Answer: (C)

Zebra mussels and rooted aquatic vegetation require monitoring and treatment because they can significantly impact water bodies' ecosystems. Zebra mussels are a notorious invasive species known for their rapid reproduction and ability to clog water intake pipes, disrupt ecosystems, and outcompete native species for food and habitat. Their presence can lead to decreased biodiversity and altered food webs in aquatic environments. Rooted aquatic vegetation, while essential to healthy ecosystems, can become problematic in excessive amounts, particularly when non-native species outcompete native plants. When invasive species of aquatic vegetation proliferate, they can disturb natural habitats, reduce water flow, and degrade water quality, further stressing the local ecosystem. Effective management and treatment strategies are critical to controlling these invasive species and safeguarding the health of water bodies, ensuring they remain balanced and functional for all organisms that rely on them. Monitoring programs help detect invasions early, allowing for prompt action to mitigate negative effects on water bodies.

Zebra mussels and rooted aquatic vegetation require monitoring and treatment because they can significantly impact water bodies' ecosystems. Zebra mussels are a notorious invasive species known for their rapid reproduction and ability to clog water intake pipes, disrupt ecosystems, and outcompete native species for food and habitat. Their presence can lead to decreased biodiversity and altered food webs in aquatic environments.

Rooted aquatic vegetation, while essential to healthy ecosystems, can become problematic in excessive amounts, particularly when non-native species outcompete native plants. When invasive species of aquatic vegetation proliferate, they can disturb natural habitats, reduce water flow, and degrade water quality, further stressing the local ecosystem.

Effective management and treatment strategies are critical to controlling these invasive species and safeguarding the health of water bodies, ensuring they remain balanced and functional for all organisms that rely on them. Monitoring programs help detect invasions early, allowing for prompt action to mitigate negative effects on water bodies.