Description
Book SynopsisPearly mussels (Unionoidea) live in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. These bivalves play important roles in freshwater ecosystems and were once culturally and economically valuable as sources of food, pearls, and mother-of-pearl. This book offers a synthesis of the factors that control the distribution and abundance of pearly mussels.
Trade Review"Highly recommended." -- S. R. Fegley Choice "Illuminating and thought provoking... This timely book will entice still more ecologists to study and help save these fascinating animals." -- Wendell R. Haag Conservation Biology "A must-read for anyone working or studying the ecology of this diverse and endangered assemblage of mollusks." -- Daniel L. Graf Journal Of Molluscan Stds/ Malacologist "Excellent... This book is engagingly written throughout, and provides ... a reflection on the dilemma of modern ecology." Qtly Review Of Biology "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 "The approach outlined in the book could be used for any group of organisms." Journal Of North American Benthological Society
Table of ContentsPreface PART ONE: The Laboratory 1. The Model as Monster 2. The Case of Pearly Mussels PART TWO: The Monster's Parts 3. Dispersal 4. Habitat 5. Hosts 6. Food 7. Enemies 8. Implications for Conservation PART THREE: Making the Monster Walk 9. Three Models for Mussel Ecology 10. Is a Comprehensive Model Possible? Literature Cited Index