Unionid Distribution and Abundance Relative to Habitat Characteristics,
Abstract
On the first investigations of Lake Benthos in North America demonstrated the importance of substratum composition as boulder, gravel, sand, clay, or mud on the distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates including mollusks (Baker 1918). Coker et al. (1921) emphasized the importance of the bottom sediment on the occurrence of freshwater mussels in their statement, It may, therefore, be supposed that fresh-water mussles, like other animals, are adapted rather definitely to particular conditions of the environment, ... that a mud bottom supports certain species, while a firmer soil is required by others. They also point out the even more restrictive habitat requirements of young or juvenile mussels compared to adults, which may survive in a variety of habitats. Coker et al. (1921) listed 62 species of mussels along with the general composition of the substratum where they occurred. In the Altamaha River, Georgia, Clench (1962) reported finding Elliptio shepardiana at mud stations and Canthyria spinosa on shallow sandbars. In addition to differences in mussel density and species composition in different habitats, Kat (1982) has demonstrated experimentally the influence of substratum type on the growth rate of Elliptio complanata.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP003071
Entities
People
- C. C. Chandler
- G. L. Pharris
- J. B. Sickel
Organizations
- Murray State University