Overview

Pearly mussels (Unionoidea) live in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. These bivalves play important roles in freshwater ecosystems and were once both culturally and economically valuable as sources of food, pearls, and mother-of-pearl. Today, however, hundreds of species of these mussels are extinct or endangered. David L. Strayer provides a critical synthesis of the factors that control the distribution and abundance of pearly mussels. Using empirical analyses and models, he assesses the effects of dispersal, habitat quality, availability of fish hosts, adequate food, predators, and parasites. He also addresses conservation issues that apply to other inhabitants of fresh waters around the globe and other pressing issues in contemporary ecology.

Full Product Details

9780520255265

Table of Contents

Reviews

Highly recommended. --Choice

Highly recommended. --Choice Illuminating and thought provoking... This timely book will entice still more ecologists to study and help save these fascinating animals. --Conservation Biology A must-read for anyone working or studying the ecology of this diverse and endangered assemblage of mollusks. --Journal of Molluscan Stds/ Malacologist This thorough, authoritative and highly enjoyable read is a must for all freshwater biologists. --Freshwater Biology Thoughtful, and thought-provoking... A valuable read for most ecologists, especially those concerned with the conservation of this threatened species. --Biofeedback

Author Information

David L. Strayer is Senior Scientist at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies and author of Pearly Mussels of New York State, among other books.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available