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.

Author: Wendell R. Haag
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 08/27/2012
Pages: 538
Weight: 2.5lbs
Size: 9.80h x 7.20w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780521199384


Review Citation(s):
Choice 03/01/2013

About the Author
Haag, Wendell R.: - Wendell R. Haag is a Research Fishery Biologist with the US Forest Service in Oxford, Mississippi. His research on freshwater mussels has spanned twenty-five years and has explored an array of topics including life histories, fish host relationships, age and growth, biogeography, sampling methods, population dynamics and conservation issues. In 2008, he was recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers presented at The White House. He has published more than fifty peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and technical reports, as well as a number of popular articles.