Where do Zebra Mussels originate, according to their historical background?
Answer
Black and Caspian Seas region of Eastern Europe and Western Asia
Zebra mussels are not native to North America; their place of origin is specifically identified as the region encompassing the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, located geographically in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This historical context is crucial because understanding their native environment helps explain their adaptability and invasive success in foreign freshwater systems once introduced. The initial establishment in new areas like the Great Lakes was entirely accidental, stemming from human transport mechanisms.

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