Question

Benthic organisms in the great lakes ________. include phytoplankton are harmed by the presence of zebra mussels include zebra mussels live near the water's surface benefit from the presence of zebra mussels

Answer 1

Are found at greater depths

Step-by-step explanation:

• The zebra mussel is a small freshwater animal that is native to the lakes however has been introduced as an invasive species in many parts of the world. As being an invasive species, they can survive in low temperatures and the cost of managing these native species exceeds $500 million a year.

• They tend to accumulate as pollutants and spread toxins hence result in the sabotage of species ecosystem balances. Thus due to the presence of these species in the waters, the surface gets covered and hence the sunlight gets obstructed and leading to the formation of blockages

• These species tend to accumulate like the various nutrient particles and then they combine with the algae and these also are a result of the depth of water, temperature, and salinity.

Answer 2

The benthic organisms are known to get benefited from the presence of the zebra mussels.

Hence, the correct answer is benefit from the presence of zebra mussels.

The zebra mussels gets colonised and increase the complexity of the substartes. the faeces and the pseudofaeces released by the zebra mussels act as a food resource for many macroinvertebrates, including the benthic organism.

The zebra mussels feeds on phytoplanktons and increase the water clarity, it also changes the nutrient content, which provide an additional advantage for the survival of the benthic organisms.