Majid Din
College Bio/Per.9
Fall Research Paper
11/17/14
Mytilus Californianus are known as California mussels that form dense mussel beds and considered one of the most abundant intertidal organisms. They are found clustered together in the upper-middle zone on the open coast. Mytilus Californianus attach themselves to rocks by byssal threads. They have geographic range from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to northern Mexico of Baja California (Morris et al. 1980). “It provides habitat, refuge, and provides food for over 300 other species” including human (rust, 2011). For long period of time, human use these mussels as a food source. These mussels can grow up to 130 to 150mm in size but the process usually is attained in three years. Scientists
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are still wondering why Mussels in the lower intertidal zone grow larger than the higher intertidal zone. They believe mussels in deeper water are immersed for longer periods and have more time to filter feed. They have a weird way of reproducing because the mussels usually spawn naturally in response to chemical cues from the same species nearby. The peek breeding times are during July and December most of the time. Communities of Mussels can grow into very large groups. if predators are absent. a moderate sized groups may consist of about one million individual mussels. Newely settled mussels often attach on top of older mussels in crowded mussel beds. Studies have shown that Mytilus Californianus have been nearing extinction as almost 70 percent are gone in North America. This is all due to climate change or global warming. Mytilus Californianus are in danger due to the abiotic and biotic factors. Global warming is causing an increase in the level of carbon dioxide. Higher CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are causing warmer global temperatures which lead to warmer water temperatures. In result, as carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, the ocean pH decreases and causes the water to become more acidic. This process is called ocean acidification. Sadly, ocean acidification is having an impact on Mytilus Californianus. According to the article: Climate Change may be Muscling in on Mussels by Sussane Rust, the increase of the acid level in the ocean is “weakening the shells” of these mussels (Rust, 2011). In result, the weaker shell, the smaller the body size of these mussels. This would make the mussels more vulnerable to predators such as crabs. Crabs could now easily crush these mussels’ shells. Humans are also affected by this because humans wouldn’t use these mussels as food source anymore. As human beings began to dramatically increase the use of fuels, more greenhouse gasses are being released into the atmosphere, creating a thicker layer that does not allow heat to escape into space. This trapping of heat is causing the Earth’s temperature to increase well beyond its adapted limits. In addition, when human destroy trees and forests, less carbon dioxide is consumed by the plants, increasing its concentration in the air. Thermal regulations of the Earth by greenhouse gases are vital because they allow the ecosystems of millions of species to maintain the thermal tolerance that they have adapted to. However, the changing layer has lead to changing temperature of the Earth, which is going to have serious ramifications in the coming years as species that have reached their upper thermal limit are dying and are being forced to adapt to new thermal ranges. Amongst the most vulnerable species to the warming Earth are Mytilus Californianus, or California mussels. As mentioned, most species have adapted to a thermal range over the past few thousand years, with an upper thermal limit and a lower thermal limit. Due to air and water temperature increases over the past sixty years, many species have reached their upper limit, the California mussels amongst them. Mussels are experiencing higher rates of mortality now than ever before. Nearly 70% of North America’s 300 freshwater mussel species are imperiled or extinct. Scientists that have been studying California mussels report that the temperature and environmental change has lead to mussels with thinner and weaker shells with smaller bodies. The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has lead to increased acidification of the ocean. One scientist reports, “indications from records are that acidity increased by about 30% in the last 250 years” (Brennan). As carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere, the shells of the mussels are expected to become 20% weaker (Brennan). The weakening shells will leave the mussels to a series of threats including predation. Mytilus Californianus are filter feeders. When the animals are submerged, their valves open slightly and the mussels use cilia to move water through the gills. Planktonic food suspended in the water is caught in mucus, sent to the palps for sorting, and then to the mouth. However climate change has affected their way of filter feeding because acidic levels are too high for retrieving food. Mussels also consume dinoflagellates, organic particles, small diatoms, zoospores, protozoa, algae, bacteria and detritus. The main food source is phytoplankton because it allows for rapid growth. Average sized mussels can filter 2 to 3 liters of water per hour when feeding. Their feeding rates are tied in with the high tide cycle (Neal, E. 2014). Once feeding rates are set there's usually nothing that can change its rate. Thats where climate change takes place because CO2 levels can alter feeding rates and has huge consequences. The nearly extinct mussel population is going to have serious repercussions, as there will be major shifts in the ecosystem due to their absence. Mussels are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem, as they serve many functions. They provide habitat, refuge, and food for over 300 other species (Brenner). One reporter states, “these mussels are a very important part of the food chain, help clean the water, and are farmed commercially. If temperatures continue to increase, we can expect range changes of species to continue, and the health of our oceans is at risk," (Wiley Blackwell). The Mytilus Californianus distribution and abundance are change due to many reasons.
Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution and abundance of Mytilus Californianus. Due to the climatic trend, it is predicted that over the next century, most of the coastal region will increase in temperature by several degree which will result the mussel to have higher body temperature (Smith et al). One study shows that a survey of mussel’s abundance along three regions of the California coast (Smith et al). The three regions included southern, northern and central California. It was found that mussel’s abundance was relatively higher in Northern California than Southern California. Northern and Southern California are two regions that have very different oceanographic processes. The mussel abundance may decline in Southern California due to human visitation, increased sea surface temperature and most importantly pollution (Smith et al). Therefore, mussels shift to protected areas such as Northern California to protect themselves from desiccation, warm temperature and salinity fluctuation. In addition, under an experiment, it was found that majority of adult population of this species existed in the Northern California. This proves that Mytilus Californianus had higher survival rates in the northern California region. In addition, this shows the growth of this species plays an important factor in affecting the distribution of mussels in the southern California. According to the article by D. Schmidt: A Review of California Mussel (Mytilus Californianus) Fisheries Biology and Fisheries Programs, there are changes in the bed cover of Mytilus Californianus along the different regions. It was mentioned that the bed cover of this species decreased in southern California due to climatic trends. Since the mussel’s bed cover is changing, this could affect hundred of dependent species’ habitats. Furthermore, climatic change is impacting to the abundance and distribution of
this species through the effects of interacting species. Therefore, some of the biotic factors clear spaces by removing organism such as Mytilus Californianus. This causes new living space to become available for this species in an intertidal area. For instance, when there is warm sea surface temperature, mussels are found on the low intertidal zone where there is an increase in predation pressure from sea stars. In order to prove that the predator, sea stars had a effect on Mytilus Californianus, some ecologists performed a experiment. In this experiment, they separated the sea stars from the Mytilus Californianus. As a result, the Mytilus Californianus population grew so rapidly that it overcrowded every other species that existed there. Generally, the low intertidal zone is a desirable place for the Mytilus Californianus. Since there is abundance of predators in that area, the Mytilus Californianus are mostly found in the mid-upper intertidal zone for survival. However, these mussels on high intertidal zone are away from predation pressure and may survive but are more likely to be killed by high wave action on this zone.
The Mussels are valuable to the american economy, they have a ecological value and also cultural value. They are in the button industry and now in the cultured pearl industry. They are also great food resources for many species of wildlife such as otters, raccoon, muskrat, herons, egrets and some fish. These species are also really important for the aquatic system or ocean because they are natural filters, feeding on algae, plankton, and silts. If these species went totally extinct from climate change then marine biologists believe aquatic life can change in a slow steady pace. Ocean acidification plays a huge role in mussel survival because these species can not attach to surfaces that are to acidic. Study shows that increased carbon dioxide levels can damage or weaken the sticky fibers also known as byssus. we should be alarmed because prior to the industrial revolution and the explosion of manmade CO2, ocean pH averaged 8.2 which is a 30 percent increase in acidity on the logarithmic scale. a lab discovery showed that mussel fibers were weakened nearly 40 percent when exposed to a pH of 7.5. Marine biologists agree that pH levels will decrease 10 percent by the end of the century due to less need of that type of energy when consumers have solar panels and hybrid cars available to them by then.
Overall, due to climate change, it is stated that the increase in these mussels mortality rate would eventually increase the rate of biodiversity loss. Also, according to an article: A Review of California Mussel (Mytilus Californianus) Fisheries Biology and Fisheries Programs by D. Schmidt: mortality of this species can be caused by “temperature extremes, desiccation at higher intertidal positions, low salinity, sedimentation, excessive wave action with associated log battering, predation, and disease and parasites (seed, 1976). In addition, there is potential for these mussels to go extinct. According to the article: Climate Change, Keystone Predation, and Biodiversity Loss by Christopher D. G. Harley, an experimental study indicated two local extinction rates of Mytilus Californianus were recorded when comparing the results between 1957-1958 and 2009-2010. It was found that under upper and lower limit of Mytilus Californianus, 236.3 (upper limit) and 188.3 (lower limit) were present in the area of Muir Creek and 298.7 (upper limit) and 201.5 (lower limit) were present in the area of Desolation spit through the year 1957-1958. However, the population went extinct in both of these areas throughout the year 2009-2010. It was mentioned that the 2 sites, Muir Creek and Desolation Spit lost the population of Mytilus Californianus due to high temperature.
Other than climate change, human have direct impact on the Mytilus Californianus population. For instance, human visitation include trampling, extraction and overturning of rocks disturb the abundance of Mytilus Californianus. In addition, fishing of mussels is decreasing the abundance of this species. Under a study, it was found that “average of 47,000 pounds of mussels was fished per year until 1927”. The markets have a demand for commercially fished sea mussels from California. This proves that Mytilus Californianus are highly in danger.
There are some programs that trying to help the mussels from going extinct. Although, it is not mentioned that these programs are specifically helping the Mytilus Californianus, there are providing protection to existing mussel communities. For example, the Endangered Species Act is making effort to recover endangered mussels. In addition, the Enforcement of the Clean Water is working to improve the water quality which will allow re-colonization of mussels in some regions. In my opinion, this is a great way to prevent these species from going extinct. Also, in order to prevent this problem, global warming must stop! Global warming is increasing due to human activity. We need to prevent global warming because it is affecting the environment and organisms such as California mussels (Mytilus Californianus). Furthermore, I personally think human visitation should be limited on the rocky intertidal zones. This will prevent trampling, extraction, overturning of rocks and fishing that all contribute to disturbing the abundance of Mytilus Californianus. In addition, I personally believe that educating people on the species, Mytilus Californianus is highly important. It is important for people to know on these mussels play a key role in cleaning the aquatic ecosystem.
Like the mussels, most of the aquatic organisms along our coast are suffering from the increased temperature and acidification of the ocean. Understanding the link between organism and enviornment is crucial for making predictions of how future climate changes will affect species and ecosystems, and how we can plan for marine reserves and the future of the fishing and aquaculture industries. Believe it or not marine biologists theorize that soon almost all the mussel species will be extinct because their delicate creatures but if they can adapt to different habitats then there can be hope for survival. Many people dont care about these species because they think they're not important but they are to the aquatic life and our ecosystem as a whole. No other animals are in grave danger as much as mussels are currently.
Reference
"America's Mussels: Silent Sentinels." USFWS: America's Mussels. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2014.
The Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), is a small freshwater mollusk that is an invasive species. It has slowly been making its way into the United States. It has done this by showing up in lakes and in rivers. The mussels get their name due to the striped pattern on their shells. They are a relatively small species, only growing to the size of a human finger nail but there have been cases of larger (“Zebra Mussels,” 2013, para. 2). Mussels live a short life span of 4-5 years and most do not make into adulthood. They live in freshwater at depths of 6 to 24 feet. The female produces 30,000 to 1,000,000 eggs per year starting at the age of two. Zebra Mussels are free moving and can move with an external organ called the byssus (“Zebra Mussels,” 2013, para. 3). But they can be moved around by currents and other objects too. Zebra Mussels are a threat to ecosystems. They damage the natural habitat of lakes and rivers and cause negative effects to the native aquatic life. They multiply in vast majority casing a lake of food and space for other animals. And also the U.S. has spent millions on the removal of these pests from our water (“Zebra Mussels,” 2014, para. 8). The Zebra Mussel has now made its way into Colorado. Just a few has been found in the waters of Colorado but a few is enough to cause a big stir. Extreme precautions have now been put into effect to make sure that the threat of Zebra Mussels is under control.
An abiotic factor affecting growth of T. californicus is the concentration of salinity of the seawater. It can range from 35ppt too much higher salinity concentrations. The concentration of UV radiation also affects t. californicus. They tend to stay in places of low concentration of UV rays when the sun is the strongest.
A common inference made by scientists predicts that the zebra mussel will continue spreading passively, by ship and by pleasure craft, to more rivers in North America. Trailered boat traffic is the most likely cause for invasion into North America. This spread can be preventable if boaters thoroughly clean and dry their boats and associated equipment before transporting them to new bodies of water. Since no North American predator or combination of predators has been shown to significantly reduce zebra mussel numbers, such spread would most likely result in permanent establishment of zebra mussels in many North American waterways.
One of the Bays biggest resources is its oysters. Oysters are filter feeders which mean they feed on agley and clean the water. The oysters feed on agley and other pollutants in the bay turning them into food, then they condense the food down to nutrients and sometimes developed pearls. Filtering the water helps the oysters to grow, and also helps clean the Chesapeake Bay. One oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day, Oysters used to be able to filter the Bay in about a week. However, these creatures are now scarce in the bay. The Chesapeake Bays Oyster (crassostrea virginica) Population has declined severely because of over harvesting, agricultural runoff, and disease. Now the Chesapeake Bay is becoming polluted without the oysters and the water is not nearly as clean as it once was. The Chesapeake Bay was the first estuary in the nation to be targeted for restoration as an integrated watershed and ecosystem. (Chesapeake Bay Program n/d). This report will show the cause and effect of the Chesapeake Bay's Oyster decline on the Bay.
The Greek word for gymno is “naked” or “bare”, and the word for gyps means “vulture”. The California condor is a bare-headed vulture.
In 1831, Asian carp were brought over as a delicacy. Asian carp are originally from Asia (Barbara A. Somervill 13). They were imported by catfish farmers in 1963 for federal research on controlling aquatic vegetation. In 1966, the first Asian carp had escaped into Arkansas waters. By 1970, grass carp we're being stocked in Arkansas waters to help with over vegetation. In 1972, big head carp were brought in the United States by a fish farmer in Arkansas to improve his water quality and fish production. In 1973, silver carp were introduced for phytoplankton control (Watershed Council 1). Over time, they were brought over for different reasons and made their way into many of the United States waters. The federal government had transported the invasive species to help the waters but, they did not realize the bad effects that the fish would have on the future environment. People need to find a way to stop them before it’s too late. Their rapid breeding has had a great toll on the environment and is still affecting it today. Over population can destroy the environment
The Chesapeake Bay plays host to an astonishing amount of plant and animal life, providing much of our fish intake for species that aren’t being overfished. For the species that are being overdrawn, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is working to restore the populations, and it’s going well thus far. Another theme that is endangering the marine life populations as well as the health of the human population is the massive amount of polluti...
Species such as the blue crab, oyster, and atlantic menhaden are three main commercial fishing outputs in the Chesapeake bay, but the recent algae blooms are devastating the harvest numbers of several different species. According to the oyster company of Virginia, over 20 million bushels of oysters were harvested every year during the peak of the oyster rush of the mid 1880’s. These numbers
The monarch butterfly, as known as Danaus plexippus, is often called the milkweed butterfly because its larvae eat the milkweed plant. They are also sometimes called "royalty butterflies" because their family name comes from the daughter of Danaus, ruler of Argos. There are many other interesting facts about this butterfly including its anatomy and life cycle, where the butterfly lies on the food chain, the migration from Canada to Mexico, why the butterfly is being threatened, and lastly, what is being done to help the butterfly.
I found the highest number of L. polyphemus in the Main Lagoon, although the difference in the number found in the Main Lagoon and Moon Pond was not statistically significant. The Main Lagoon seems to have favorable environmental conditions for horseshoe crabs, as it is the sub-basin with the largest area for them to inhabit, and it has the deepest water. However, very little information is known about the habitat preferences and requirements of horseshoe crabs. They can tolerate and cope with a wide range of environmental conditions, especially temperature and salinity, and as a result adults are classified as environmental generalists (Sekiguchi & Shuster, 2011). Horseshoe crabs have been encountered in water deeper than 200 meters, but studies
You probably think horseshoe crabs are crustaceans, but you’d be wrong. They actually aren’t crabs at all, and there’s more about the horseshoe crab that you wouldn’t believe. This weird-looking marine animal survived two mass extinctions and lived in the Ordovician Period.
The findings could be taken into account in the selection of parameters used in biomonitoring research and in the interpretation of their results, and may be particularly important for criteria used in studies of the invasive potential and distribution of zebra mussels in other parts of the world. Studies like this are important in gaining knowledge of the environments that zebra mussel populations can survive and thrive in, and helping threatened and invaded ecosystems to move away from those conditions.
Arthropods are animals belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, which is the largest of all phyla in the Animal Kingdom, with more than one million species, making them almost 80% of the whole kingdom. These include insects, arachnids, crustaceans and many more, most of which are quite small, the biggest being the Japanese Spider Crab with a leg span of 3.5 meters and the smallest being the microscopic Plankton.
Lotze, Heike K., Marta Coll, Anna M. Magera, Christine Ward-Paige, and Laura Airoldi. "Recovery of Marine Animal Populations and Ecosystems." Trends in Ecology & Evolution 26.11 (2011): 595-605. Print.
prized seafood and commercial item on the West Coast, the species could vanish from California