The Great Invader: The Sea Lamprey

What is a significant challenge in eradicating sea lampreys from the Great Lakes?

• They are resistant to most natural predators.

• They reproduce too slowly to establish a population.

• They have no natural habitat in the Great Lakes.

• They are easily caught by fishermen.

What is a potential consequence of the sea lamprey's predation on native fish species in the Great Lakes?

• Increased fish diversity due to introduction of new species.

• Decreased fish diversity due to loss of native species.

• Improved water quality in the Great Lakes.

• Enhanced growth of aquatic plants due to fewer fish.

Which method is least likely to be effective in reducing the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes?

• Introducing more prey species

• Increasing fishing efforts

• Using chemical lampricides

• Implementing barriers to migration

What is one reason why sea lampreys have been able to thrive in the Great Lakes despite control efforts?

• They have a high tolerance for various water conditions.

• They reproduce quickly and in large numbers.

• They have no natural predators in the Great Lakes.

• They can survive in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

Which strategy could be most effective in controlling the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes?

• Using chemical lampricides to target sea lamprey larvae.

• Introducing a new predator species to the ecosystem.

• Increasing fishing quotas for local fishermen.

• Implementing a catch-and-release program for sea lampreys.

What role does the sea lamprey play in the food web of the Great Lakes?

• Primary producer

• Secondary consumer

• Tertiary consumer

• Decomposer

How might the introduction of a new predator affect the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes?

• The sea lamprey population would decrease.

• The sea lamprey population would increase.

• The sea lamprey population would remain unchanged.

• The sea lamprey population would migrate to other areas.

How does the sea lamprey's life cycle contribute to its invasive success in the Great Lakes?

• Short life cycle with rapid reproduction

• Long life cycle with slow reproduction

• Ability to survive in freshwater only

• Dependence on specific host fish species

Challenge in managing the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes?

• High adaptability to different environments.

• Low reproductive rate.

• Limited habitat range.

• Weak predatory skills.

What is one potential ecological benefit of controlling the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes?

• Increased biodiversity of native species

• Decreased water temperature

• Higher fish population of invasive species

• Improved water clarity