Scientists at the University of Missouri ran semi-outdoor experiments to study how road salt affects freshwater snails. They combined different salt levels with the presence or absence of predators to copy more natural conditions. The team found that salt was more deadly when snails also faced the fear of predators.
When snails sensed predators they ate less and moved less. Higher salt forced snails to use more energy to stay alive. Reduced feeding and higher energy use together increased snail deaths. Freshwater snails help control algae, recycle nutrients and feed fish and birds. The researchers say communities can reduce salt use while keeping roads safe by pretreating roads, calibrating salt trucks and applying salt more carefully.
Difficult words
- semi-outdoor — Partly outside and partly under cover
- predator — Animal that hunts and eats other animalspredators
- deadly — Causing death or great harm to animals
- algae — Simple water plants that grow in ponds
- nutrient — Substance that living things need to grownutrients
- pretreat — Treating something before the main actionpretreating
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen freshwater snails or algae near rivers or ponds? What did you notice?
- Do you think your town could use less road salt? Why or why not?
- Which of the suggested road actions seems easiest to do in your area?
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