Download or read book Comparative Conservation Genomics of a Suite of Imperiled Freshwater Mussels written by Scott Meyer and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Maintenance of genetic diversity is a critical component to the management and recovery of imperiled species. By ensuring that a species’ genetic diversity is maintained, issues like inbreeding depression and loss of local adaptation can be prevented. However, the genetic diversity of many species are not well-characterized, and the factors that influence a species’ genetic diversity are often not well understood. In the case of imperiled unionid freshwater mussels, it is important to conduct conservation genetic assessments to aid in their management and preserve genetic diversity. This is the first study to conduct a comparative conservation genomic assessment for eight unionid species. By sequencing 3RAD libraries, I characterized single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) variation in these species across their ranges in North Carolina and beyond. I obtained thousands of neutral SNPs across the genome for each focal species. With the newly obtained genomic data and associated spatial data I addressed three main questions: 1) What is each species’ population structure and how is genetic diversity distributed across the landscape? 2) Which landscape factors have the strongest influence on population genetic structure and diversity? 3) How do life-history traits mediate species’ genetic responses to landscape factors? I observed that population structure was rarely observed below the spatial scale of basin or watershed, suggesting substantial gene flow occurs among connected streams in the same watershed. I found that fluvial distance and the type of barriers between locations were the most significant drivers of genetic differentiation among individuals, whereas drainage area was the most significant, landscape variable, driver of genetic diversity within individuals. Individuals occupying sites with relatively small upstream watershed areas (2), little human development (70%) exhibited the highest heterozygosity. Life-history traits such as longevity and fecundity appeared to mediate genetic diversity within individuals. Species with “slower” life-histories (lower fecundity, longer lifespans) exhibited higher genetic diversity than species with “faster” life-histories (higher fecundity, shorter lifespans). Including life-history traits in a conservation genomic assessment provides novel insights into evolutionary ecology that helps to explain or predict the genetic response of a species to their environment.
Download or read book Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration written by Matthew A. Patterson and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2018-02-22 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A practical, step-by-step guide to rearing freshwater mussels, one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world.
Download or read book Conservation Genetics of a Near Threatened Freshwater Mussel Species Lampsilis Cardium and Improved Prospects for Recovery written by Chad D. Ferguson and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are among the most imperiled organisms in North America. While there is an urgent need for effective conservation planning and management of these organisms, important basic biological information is lacking. This research characterizes levels of genetic diversity and population structure in the Near Threatened (IUCN) freshwater mussel Lampsilis cardium in populations from Twin Creek (southwest Ohio), Little Darby and Big Darby Creeks (central Ohio), and Little Muskingum River (eastern Ohio) and assesses the extent to which regional geological events explain population structuring. Data from the congener Lampsilis ovata from Clinch River (Tennessee) are included for comparison. To characterize these patterns, sequencing of the mtDNA gene cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) and nuclear microsatellite genotyping over 12 loci was performed. Additionally, genotype data from both adults and individual glochidia were analyzed to examine parentage and within-population levels of relatedness across common pedigree relationships. Microsatellite data reveal weak population structuring across glaciated and unglaciated drainages and 900 total river miles. However, haplotype analysis and sequence alignment recovered deeply divergent, cryptic lineages within Lampsilis cardium consistent with ancestral introgressive hybridization with Lampsilis ovata or incomplete lineage sorting. Mito-nuclear discordance argues against ongoing hybridization, although polymorphic species are also consistent with the data, and this affirms the importance of multiple molecular markers. In addition to finding multiple paternity in single broods, a number of parent-offspring, full-sibling, and half-sibling relationships for adults and glochidia are described. Numerous instances are noted in which likely full-siblings or half-siblings were located several kilometers apart, demonstrating that DNA-based evidence can describe the spatial nature of dispersal in unionid mussels. In a first report, the likely father of three glochidia from one female's brood was identified 16.2 kilometers upstream, which suggests the possibility of long-distance transport of spermatozoa in Lampsilis cardium. Given the similarity with which Lampsilines reproduce, it is predicted that other members of this genus are also capable long-distance fertilization. If fertilization in populations of freshwater mussels is indeed not limited by the density of breeding adults, the prospects for recovery in this fauna may be better than recently imagined.
Download or read book North American Freshwater Mussels written by Wendell R. Haag and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-08-27 with total page 523 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Synthesizes the ecology and natural history of North American freshwater mussels for scientists, natural resource professionals, students and natural history enthusiasts.
Download or read book The Evolution Population Genetics and Conservation of Lampsiline Freshwater Mussels Bivalvia written by David Thomas Zanatta and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The biodiversity of freshwater mussels is diminishing at a nearly unprecedented pace, with many species being added to legally protected lists. In response to this imperilment, this dissertation investigates the evolution and population genetics of mussels from the tribe Lampsilini of freshwater mussels. Species in the Order Unionoida require a host, usually a fish, to complete their life cycle. Females of most species show adaptations that increase the chances of glochidia larvae contacting a host. Using a suite of mitochondrial DNA sequences, a phylogenetic hypothesis for the evolution of the lampsiline species was created to test the evolution of host attracting structures and behaviours. It is necessary to investigate alternative ways to conserve the biological and genetic diversity of imperiled unionoids within the framework of conservation law. In order to clarify definitions and concepts for conservation units for unionoids, studies of unionoid evolution, population genetic structure, cryptic species, and taxonomic conflict are discussed. From this synthesis of studies, recommendations are made for the appropriate usage of these units under endangered species legislation. To assist in managing lampsiline species, population-level studies of the imperiled Northern Riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana), Snuffbox (E. triquetra) and Wavy-rayed Lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola) were conducted to test possible routes of post-glacial redistribution and for the existence of conservation units, population structure and genetic diversity. Analyses were made using mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite loci, including six that were newly developed. For E. t. rangiana, mtDNA sequence data did not indicate significant geographic structure among populations. However, allelic data from the microsatellite loci revealed highly significant population structuring. For E. triquetra, the results indicated the occurrence of three glacial refugia: the Tennessee River, rivers south of the Ozark Crest, and the lower Ohio River drainage near the confluence with the Mississippi. The four sympatrically-occurring mantle display-types could not be distinguished genetically via an assessment of microsatellite DNA loci. Within-drainage gene flow was high and sampling localities within drainages displayed panmixia. For all species, efforts in artificial propagation and possible translocations programs to reintroduce or augment populations should be made to maintain significant levels of genetic variation while maintaining distinctiveness.
Download or read book North American Freshwater Mussels written by Wendell R. Haag and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-08-27 with total page 523 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Freshwater Mussel Ecology written by David L. Strayer and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2008-06-10 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Investigations for the Conservation and Propagation of Freshwater Mussels written by Christopher T. Owen and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freshwater mussels are the most imperiled freshwater fauna in North America. Species faced unregulated harvest during the 'ignorant extermination' periods where they were sought for their pearls and mother-of-pearl shells. Much of the native range of most species has dwindled due to the loss of habitat from impoundment by rivers and dams. Impoundment also impacted mussels by blocking the migration of many host fishes, as unionids are briefly parasitic on fish and thus dependent upon fishes for reproduction. Over 70% of all unionid taxa are deemed threatened, endangered or of special concern, and much of this loss of biodiversity can be embodied by E. O. Wilson's HIPPO concept. Conservation efforts to preserve and protect these species have been constrained due to the lack of understanding of the natural history of most species and currently consist of mitigating destabilizing impacts to existing populations and bolstering mussel populations in areas with critical mussel habitat through propagation. Muskrats are natural predators of all freshwater mussels and can severely impact already vulnerable populations, possibly reducing populations below the minimum number for successful reproduction (Alice effect). Muskrats appear to select mussels after developing a search image for particular prey-type. At our site, muskrats favored cube-shaped (inflated or swollen) animals, over compressed mussels of equal lengths, presumably because inflated individuals tend to have more edible soft tissues (or at least possess the appearance that they do). Muskrats were extremely efficient at finding cube shaped species that were found at extremely low densities in the live community, such as Quadrula metanevra. Muskrats also heavily favored the endangered Fanshell Pearlymussel, Cyprogenia stegaria, which was the number one favored prey item at our site. The majority of endangered unionids (measured from our site and museum specimens) fall within the same size and shape of the species favored in our study. Given the efficiency of muskrats at finding particular prey species, mitigation of predation pressure by locally trapping or relocating muskrats should be considered as part of mussel recovery programs. Mitigation may be necessary for successfully bolstering or establishing new populations with propagated juveniles released into critical mussel habitat. In vitro metamorphosis is such a propagation method. It facilitates culturing unionids without their host fish, and may be the only method of propagation for many endangered species for which the host fish is unknown. We investigated the components and protocol of the in vitro method to increase the efficacy of producing healthy juvenile mussels. Control of microbial contamination was the major impediment to successfully culturing most species. Microbial contamination is best controlled by minimizing the introduction of microbes into the culture dishes, changing the culture medium regularly and replenishing antibiotics daily. Antimycotics negatively affect the development of most species and should be used at minimum working concentrations. The protein source used in vitro may be important for host-specific mussels species, but host-generalists can be successfully cultured in either mammalian or fish serum sources, though fish serum may possess natural antibiotics that aid the control of microbial contamination. Juveniles in cultures containing fish serum increase their lipid reserves significantly over their levels as glochidia, but it is unknown how the lipid levels compare to juveniles cultured on host fishes. Lipid fortified media produces animals with high survivorship post-metamorphosis but data are conflicting as to whether the fortified media produces juveniles with greater lipid reserves than media without lipid supplements. With modifications to the in vitro medium and protocol, juvenile mussels can be easily and consistently cultured without host fishes. One cohort of Lampsilis siliquoidea was cultured in vitro using mammalian serum in the culture medium and the juveniles were grown in hatchery conditions for one year after metamorphosis. The growth of the juveniles as measured by total length exceeded the predicted length based on Von Bertalanffy growth equations, indicating our juveniles possessed no immediately observable developmental abnormalities. Variation of size, periostracum coloration and ray patterns were highly variable in the juveniles; diverse phenotypes are typical of wildtype populations and suggestive that our method may not be selective or reduce the genetic diversity of the animals to be used to bolster natural populations. Overall, we feel that with our modifications, we can successfully culture healthy, viable juveniles for bolstering existing populations of freshwater unionids. Our method also allows for the efficient production of juvenile mussels in a laboratory setting for toxicity testing, genetic work and general histological and physiological research.
Download or read book Conservation genetics of freshwater mussels and the potential for translocation into the Lake Erie watershed written by David J. et al Berg and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecology and Evolution of the Freshwater Mussels Unionoida written by G. Bauer and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: All those who think that bivalves are boring are in the best company. Karl von Frisch is reported to have turned the pages more quickly in texts where bivalves were treated because, according to him, they literally lack any behaviour. The fact that they can filtrate huge amounts of water, burrow into the sedi ment, actively swim, drill holes into rocks and boats or detect shadows with the aid of pretty blue eyes located on the rim of their mantle obviously left v. Frisch unimpressed. Why, then, a book on the large freshwater mussels (Naiads or Unionoida), which on first sight are much less spectacular than the marine ones? The main reason is that they are keepers of secrets which they reveal only on close and careful inspection. This is not only true for the pearls some species produce and which over centuries have contributed to the treasures of bishops and kings, but particularly for their ecology: their life cycles are linked with those of fishes, some can occur in incredible densities and some can live for more than 100 years. Thus, the presence or absence of naiads in a lake or stream has manifold implications.
Download or read book Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Common and Imperiled Freshwater Mussels at Multiple Spatial and Temporal Scales with Inferences to Global Change written by Tamara J. Pandolfo and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 165 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Freshwater Animal Diversity Assessment written by E.V. Balian and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-04-27 with total page 622 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a comprehensive study of species- and genus-level diversity and chorology of the global freshwater fauna to date. It gives a state of the art assessment of the diversity and distribution of Metazoa in the continental waters of the world.
Download or read book Population Genetics and Conservation of the Freshwater Mussel Margaritifera Falcata from the Northwestern United States written by Lindsay P. Anderson and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Comparing Life History Traits and Responses to Environmental Variation Between Mussel Species in the San Saba River written by Kayla Hayes and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freshwater mussel species (Unionidae) can vary considerably in their life history traits (e.g., longevity) and mussels with different life history strategies may dominate in different types of habitat. Unfortunately, data on life history traits are still missing for many species, and the factors that determine freshwater mussel distribution along a river are not well understood. Such information, however, is crucial for the conservation of this highly imperiled group of organisms. The objectives of my study were to (1) determine the maximum age and growth constant for three mussel species with different life history strategies; and (2) to perform translocation experiments at two spatial scales (within and between river segments) where mussels were moved to locations from which they were absent to determine if local habitat conditions were limiting their survival and performance. The translocation experiments were carried out in the San Saba River, Texas, using mussels with two different life history strategies (opportunistic and equilibrium). Thin sectioning of mussel shells and analyzing their size in relation to the number of annuli showed that the maximum lifespan differed considerably between species and was highest for Cyclonaias petrina (31 years), lowest for Utterbackia imbecillis (9 years), and intermediate for Lampsilis bracteata (16 years). In contrast, growth constants were rather similar between species. The translocation experiments showed that local habitat conditions are limiting the opportunistic species (U. imbecillis) more strongly than the equilibrium species (C. petrina and pustolosa). Detection was considerably and consistently lower and mortality higher for U. imbecillis that were translocated to a habitat from which they were absent. Responses of C. petrina and C. pustolosa to translocation provided mixed evidence. Although several measures (e.g., mortality and glycogen within the lower segment, growth between segments) indicated that mussels performed better in the control habitat, it was not a consistent pattern. This suggests that other factors, which may affect earlier life stages not tested here, may limit their distribution. Detection of Cyclonaias declined considerably in a treatment pool in the upper segment after a flooding event, whereas it remained high in the upper riffle. Thus, disturbance may play an important role for the distribution of mussels, which should be investigated further by future studies. The study shows that suitable habitat is not necessarily indicated by presence of mussels especially those with different life history strategies, which needs to be considered in relocation efforts.
Download or read book Quagga and Zebra Mussels written by Thomas F. Nalepa and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2013-10-25 with total page 820 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The introduction and rapid spread of two Eurasian mussel species, Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel), in waters of North America has caused great concern among industrial and recreational water users. These invasive species can create substantial problems for raw water users such as water treatment facilities and power plants, and they can have other negative impacts by altering aquatic environments. In the 20 years since the first edition of this book was published, zebra mussels have continued to spread, and quagga mussels have become the greater threat in the Great Lakes, in deep regions of large lakes, and in the southwestern Unites States. Quagga mussels have also expanded greatly in eastern and western Europe since the first book edition was published. Quagga and Zebra Mussels: Biology, Impacts, and Control, Second Edition provides a broad view of the zebra/quagga mussel issue, offering a historic perspective and up-to-date information on mussel research. Comprising 48 chapters, this second edition includes reviews of mussel morphology, physiology, and behavior. It details mussel distribution and spread in Europe and across North America, and examines policy and regulatory responses, management strategies, and mitigation efforts. In addition, this book provides extensive coverage of the impact of invasive mussel species on freshwater ecosystems, including effects on water clarity, phytoplankton, water quality, food web changes, and consequences to other aquatic fauna. It also reviews and offers new insights on how zebra and quagga mussels respond and adapt to varying environmental conditions. This new edition includes seven video clips that complement chapter text and, through visual documentation, provide a greater understanding of mussel behavior and distribution.
Download or read book Conservation by Proxy written by Tim Caro and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2010-06-23 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The vast scope of conservation problems has forced biologists and managers to rely on "surrogate" species to serve as shortcuts to guide their decision making. These species-known by a host of different terms, including indicator, umbrella, and flagship species-act as proxies to represent larger conservation issues, such as the location of biodiversity hotspots or general ecosystem health. Synthesizing an immense body of literature, conservation biologist and field researcher Tim Caro offers systematic definitions of surrogate species concepts, explores biological theories that underlie them, considers how surrogate species are chosen, critically examines evidence for and against their utility, and makes recommendations for their continued use. The book clarifies terminology and contrasts how different terms are used in the real world considers the ecological, taxonomic, and political underpinnings of these shortcuts identifies criteria that make for good surrogate species outlines the circumstances where the application of the surrogate species concept shows promise Conservation by Proxy is a benchmark reference that provides clear definitions and common understanding of the evidence and theory behind surrogate species. It is the first book to review and bring together literature on more than fifteen types of surrogate species, enabling us to assess their role in conservation and offering guidelines on how they can be used most effectively.
Download or read book Aquaculture Genome Technologies written by Zhanjiang (John) Liu and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-02-28 with total page 579 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Genomics is a rapidly growing scientific field with applications ranging from improved disease resistance to increased rate of growth. Aquaculture Genome Technologies comprehensively covers the field of genomics and its applications to the aquaculture industry. This volume looks to bridge the gap between a basic understanding of genomic technology to its practical use in the aquaculture industry.
