What specialized fibers allow the Zebra Mussel to anchor securely to virtually any firm underwater substrate?
Answer
Byssal threads
The remarkable ability of zebra mussels to adhere strongly to surfaces like rock, wood, concrete, and metal is attributed to specialized, durable, and elastic strands known as byssal threads. These fibers are actively secreted by the byssal gland, which is located near the foot of the organism. The threads emerge from the umbo area, which is the hinge region on the dorsal side of the shell, enabling the mussel to form stable attachments crucial for surviving in flowing water and forming massive colonies.
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