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Chase, M. E. and R. C. Bailey, 1996. Commitment to Reproduction: A Three Year Study of Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Production and Biomass Allocation of Zebra Mussels, University of Western Ontario Abstract from The Sixth International Zebra Mussel and Other Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference, Dearborn, Michigan, March 1996 Commitment to Reproduction: A Three Year Study of Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Production and Biomass Allocation of Zebra MusselsSince 1992 we have measured temporal and spatial patterns of secondary production and biomass allocation of the zebra mussel in the lower Great Lakes. Mussels were quantitatively collected from a 2m depth in Lake St. Clair and depths of 2m and 6m in each of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Results have shown; (1) total production is considerably lower for a 2m depth than a 6m depth at the same site, and (2) there is considerable temporal and spatial variation both within and among sites. In order to determine the cause of the observed variation we divided total production into its three components; matter incorporated into growth of body (Pg), shell (Ps), and gamete production (Pr). Examination of the components between years revealed that the observed variation in total production is the result of variation in the amount of matter allocated to body (Pg) and shell (Ps) growth. Zebra mussels allocate a constant amount of matter to the production of gametes. We will present data on total production and biomass allocation for all years (1992 to 1994). Variation in total production and biomass allocation will be examined in view of environmental and life history data to determine what factors are regulating zebra mussel populations in the lower Great Lakes. Knowledge of such factors will enable researchers to predict the fate of other populations.
Key Words: Zebra_mussel, Population_dynamics, Basic_biology |