Definition

1. Noun:
   • Zebra mussel: A small freshwater bivalve mollusk, typically about one inch (2.5 cm) long when mature, characterized by a striped or zigzag patterned shell. It is an invasive species, originally native to the lakes of southern Russia, that has spread to other continents, often accidentally transported via ballast water. It is notorious for clogging water intake pipes of industrial facilities and power plants, and for outcompeting native freshwater mussel species for resources.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rapid spread of Dreissena polymorpha has caused significant ecological and economic damage in the Great Lakes.
  • Biologists are monitoring the population of Dreissena polymorpha to assess its impact on the local ecosystem.
  • Water treatment plants must implement costly measures to control infestations of Dreissena polymorpha.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific binomial nomenclature: The term "Dreissena polymorpha" is the formal, two-part scientific name (genus , species ) used in biological taxonomy. In formal scientific writing, it is typically italicized.
  • The study focused on the filtration rates of Dreissena polymorpha.

Variants and Related Words

• Zebra mussel (n): The common name for .
  • Zebra mussels have become a major pest in North American waterways.
• Dreissenid (adj/n): Relating to or characteristic of the family Dreissenidae, to which belongs; or a member of this family.
  • Dreissenid mussels are efficient filter feeders.

Synonyms

• Zebra mussel: The most widely used common name.
• Invasive mussel: A descriptive term highlighting its ecological status.

Related Phrases

• Biofouling organism: A term used in engineering and ecology to describe organisms like that attach to submerged surfaces, causing obstruction and damage.
  • The pipes were coated with Dreissena polymorpha, a classic biofouling organism.

Noun

1. inch long mollusk imported accidentally from Europe; clogs utility inlet pipes and feeds on edible freshwater mussels