scrAPES Week 13
http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/monster_goldfish_found_in_lake_tahoe_scientific_american.pdf_
Topic: Monster Goldfish Found in Lake Tahoe
By: Tanya Lewis of the Scientific American and LiveScience
Date: February 21, 2013
Summary
One may not suspect their pet goldfish to grow any more than a few measly millimeters, but many will be astounded when they learn that a giant goldfish, measuring 1.5 feet long and weighing 4.2 pounds, was found in Lake Tahoe. This species, however, is not native to the area, and many suspect that invasive dumping from aquariums may be the cause of the gigantic goldfish. While the outcome could be indeed very amusing, this act is very harmful to native species, since dumped organisms can inhibit development of other species through competition and other factors. Aquarium owners should refrain from dumping any organisms into the wilderness, whether it be animals or plants.
Reflection
I believe that any activity that interferes with natural processes such as the inadvertent or purposeful introduction of invasive species should not be allowed, since situations such as diminishing species populations and less resource availability could surface. The unusual growth of the goldfish in Lake Tahoe may also be one of the outcomes of dumping that may affect other species as well, due to a size advantage. The growth may have also been caused by an increase in availability of resources in the area, which may have all been seized by the goldfish. This situation may have been interesting upon first sight, but more impact lies beneath the discovery.
By: Tanya Lewis of the Scientific American and LiveScience
Date: February 21, 2013
Summary
One may not suspect their pet goldfish to grow any more than a few measly millimeters, but many will be astounded when they learn that a giant goldfish, measuring 1.5 feet long and weighing 4.2 pounds, was found in Lake Tahoe. This species, however, is not native to the area, and many suspect that invasive dumping from aquariums may be the cause of the gigantic goldfish. While the outcome could be indeed very amusing, this act is very harmful to native species, since dumped organisms can inhibit development of other species through competition and other factors. Aquarium owners should refrain from dumping any organisms into the wilderness, whether it be animals or plants.
Reflection
I believe that any activity that interferes with natural processes such as the inadvertent or purposeful introduction of invasive species should not be allowed, since situations such as diminishing species populations and less resource availability could surface. The unusual growth of the goldfish in Lake Tahoe may also be one of the outcomes of dumping that may affect other species as well, due to a size advantage. The growth may have also been caused by an increase in availability of resources in the area, which may have all been seized by the goldfish. This situation may have been interesting upon first sight, but more impact lies beneath the discovery.