The Zebra Mussel invasion in the Great Lakes ecosystem is evident through the decline in plankton biomass and the increase in water clarity, indicating a significant ecological impact.
The impact of the Zebra Mussel invasion on the Great Lakes ecosystem is discernible through the data presented in the graphs. Zebra mussels are efficient filter feeders, consuming substantial amounts of plankton from the water. The decline in plankton biomass, as reflected in the graphs, suggests a reduction in the availability of this crucial food source for various aquatic organisms. Consequently, this disruption in the food web can have cascading effects on the ecosystem, influencing the populations of fish and other organisms that rely on plankton as a primary food source.
Additionally, the increase in water clarity, indicated in the graphs, is a result of the Zebra Mussels' filtration activity, which removes particles and algae from the water. While this may seem beneficial in terms of water clarity, it can have negative consequences for species that depend on the turbidity of the water for protection or as a habitat. Overall, the Zebra Mussel invasion has complex and far-reaching implications for the ecological balance within the Great Lakes.