North American Freshwater Mussels: Natural History, Ecology, and Conservation (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521199384)

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
ISBN-10: 0521199387
ISBN-13: 9780521199384
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 08/27/2012
Pages: 538
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.50lbs
Size: 9.80h x 7.20w x 1.40d

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