Biological Invasions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(1)

Published: Dec. 13, 2024

Abstract Invasive species are often assumed to have measurable impacts throughout their potential range, but this is not always true. This study evaluated whether zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) were causing an increase in water clarity near the southern edge of North American expansion using a 40+ year dataset. We looked for abrupt shifts and long-term trends compared these estimated mussel invasion date 7 reservoirs Missouri, USA. also at 26 non-invaded evaluate being masked by variation environmental factors. Collectively, our analyses provide weight evidence based on lack consistent corresponding with invasions. Mussel establishment did clarity, likely because densities too low result impact. The highest density we observed was 65 m −2 , order magnitude less than systems where they had sustained Low could be due combination sublethal conditions such as warm temperatures, suspended inorganic particulates, fluctuating levels, reduced oxygen concentrations, well limited hard substrata or predation fish. While additional required understand which, if any, factors may limiting shows that dreissenids having impact elsewhere suggesting how invader alters ecosystem functions critical determining its

Language: Английский