Chase, M.E. and R.C. Bailey, 1999. The Ecology of the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Lower Great Lakes of North America: I. Population Dynamics and Growth, Miami University.

Reprinted from Journal of Great Lakes Research (1999) 25(1): 107-121

The Ecology of the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Lower Great Lakes of North America: I. Population Dynamics and Growth

Abstract
Five populations of Dreissena polymorpha from three lakes (Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario) in the lower Great Lakes Region were examined from 1992 to 1994 to determine the population dynamics, reproductive cycle, secondary production, and allocation of resources to somatic tissue, shell, and gamete production. In this paper data are presented on the population dynamics, including demography and density, and variation in shell length, somatic tissue, and gamete weight. There was much variation in lifespan, density, and growth among sites; however, variation was much greater among sites in different lakes. The lifespan of D. polymorpha was estimated between 2 and greater than 4 years, depending on the site. Growth in shell length was related to food supply, temperature, and the age structure of individuals at a given site. Shell growth of year one individuals ranged from 0.5 mm to 11.2 mm. There was no correlation between somatic tissue growth and gonad tissue growth, suggesting differential allocation of resources.

Entire Paper
Contact: Margo Chase, Miami University, Department of Zoology, Oxford, OH 45056
Keywords: Zebra_mussel, Basic_biology, Population_dynamics
Product Type: Research, Basic_biology
User Type: General