North American Freshwater Mussels
Natural History, Ecology, and Conservation

Synthesizes the ecology and natural history of North American freshwater mussels for scientists, natural resource professionals, students and natural history enthusiasts.

Wendell R. Haag (Author)

9780521199384, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 August 2012

538 pages, 123 b/w illus. 21 colour illus. 3 maps 30 tables
24.9 x 18.3 x 3.6 cm, 1.13 kg

'… the author provides an excellent and highly readable account of the diversity of this group in terms of biogeography, life history, and ecology, all in the context of conserving the group. This is a highly enjoyable read that finally gives a detailed answer to the frequently asked question heard in the field by most freshwater mussel biologists: 'can you eat 'em?' I am certain that it will serve as an outstanding reference and resource for anyone with an interest in aquatic ecology and conservation biology. With a thorough description of the history of freshwater mussel ecology to reviews of the latest modern literature, Haag highlights numerous important areas in need of additional research. This book is a 'must read' for biology students seeking novel ideas and untested hypotheses for research on freshwater mussels.' David T. Zanatta, The Quarterly Review of Biology

This well-illustrated book highlights freshwater mussels' fabulous diversity, amazing array of often bizarre ecological adaptations and their dire conservation plight. Summarizing and synthesizing historical and contemporary information as well as original research and analysis, the book describes the diverse array of mussel life history strategies and builds a cohesive narrative culminating in the development of explicit frameworks to explain pervasive patterns in mussel ecology. The fascinating and colorful role of mussels in human society is also described in detail, including the little-known pearl button industry of the early 1900s and the wild and often violent shell harvest of the 1990s. The final chapter details humans' efforts to save these fascinating animals and gives a prognosis for the future of the North American fauna. The book provides the first comprehensive review of mussel ecology and conservation for scientists, natural resource professionals, students and natural history enthusiasts.

1. Introduction to mussels and mussel ecology
2. Catching the mussel bug: a history of the study of mussel ecology in North America
3. Diversity and biogeography
4. Aquatic habitats and mussel assemblages
5. Host use and host infection strategies
6. These are very different animals: life history variation in mussels
7. Mussel population biology
8. Putting it all together: explaining patterns of mussel assemblage structure
9. Human exploitation of mussels
10. The decline of the North American mussel fauna: chronology and causes
11. Mussel conservation: the challenge of protecting a fragmented resource.

Subject Areas: Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Biology, life sciences [PS], Mathematics & science [P]