Final answer:
The zebra mussel is an invasive species brought to North American waterways through ballast water from ships, causing significant ecological and economic damage. The mussels spread to new areas via recreational boats, requiring extensive management and control efforts to prevent their impact on native ecosystems and infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is an invasive species that has had a profound impact on waterways in North America. Introduced to the Great Lakes via ballast water from ships, these mussels have caused severe economic damage, and they continue to spread to new areas, often through mechanisms such as recreational boating.
Zebra mussels pose a threat to native species by altering ecosystems. They are filter feeders, which can improve water clarity and thereby benefit certain species; however, they also threaten native mollusk populations and can cause the extinction of native species due to competition and predation. The cost of managing and controlling their spread, including maintaining water intakes and infrastructure in lakes and rivers, has reached millions of dollars.
Efforts to control the spread of zebra mussels include voluntary guidelines established in the US. However, their ability to hitchhike on recreational boats and equipment presents an ongoing challenge for the prevention and management of this invasive species.