Burrowing saves Lake Erie clams

Nature
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Abstract

Freshwater unionid clams in North America have been virtually eliminated from waters that are colonized by zebra mussels. Near total mortality has been reported in western Lake Erie, but we have discovered a large population of native clams in a Lake Erie wetland that shows little sign of infestation. Field observations and laboratory experiments show that warm summer water temperatures and soft, silt-clay sediments trigger burowing by clams. This discourages infestation and physically removes any attached zebra mussels.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Burrowing saves Lake Erie clams
Series title Nature
DOI 10.1038/40039
Volume 389
Issue 6654
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Nature Publishing Group
Publisher location London, UK
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 1 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Nature
First page 921
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