Virginia Has Big Mussels

(The role of mussels in a freshwater ecosystem)
by Laura Young

I. Introduction

II. Main Points

• What is a mussel?
  
• Phylum: mollusca- includes snails, slugs, octopuses and squids
  
• Class: bivalvia- includes clams, oysters, and scallops
  
• Made mostly of calcium
  
• Have gills, digestive tract, foot
  
• Burrow in gravel or sand, move slowly
  
• Live mostly in moving water

• How does the mussel fit into the food web of a freshwater ecosystem?
  
  • Biomass pyramid- detritovores
    
  • Filter feeders
    
  • Concentrate pollution
    
  • Clean water
    
  • Indicator species
    
  • Food for herons, raccoons, muskrats, otters
    
  • Parasite to fish during critical stage of life cycle

• Why are Virginia's mussels special?
  
• Biodiversity of New River and Clinch Rivers
  
• Examples of some of our mussels
  
• Threats of dams, water pollution, and the loss of host fish

III. Conclusion

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Questions:

1. List five internal structures of a mussel?
2. What are two benefits of mussels in a freshwater ecosystem?
3. On what organism do Glochidium spend time before being considered a juvenile?