Mitochondrial (mt) function depends critically on optimal interactions between components encoded by mt and nuclear DNAs. mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance (SMI) is thought to have evolved in animal species to maintain mito-nuclear complementarity by preventing the spread of selfish mt elements thus typically rendering mtDNA heteroplasmy evolutionarily ephemeral. Here, we show that mtDNA in...

The quantification and assessment of dynamic hydrogeomorphological processes is crucial in defining suitable habitat for aquatic benthic species. Yet a consistent approach to accurately record monitor near-bed flow characteristics, remains largely undefined freshwater ecology. purpose this work was provide direct, non-intrusive, low-cost accessible tool evaluate incipient conditions predict whe...

Stable nitrogen isotope ratios (delta15N) of freshwater mussels from a series of lakes and ponds were related to watershed land use characteristics to assess their utility in determining the source of nitrogen inputs to inland water bodies. Nitrogen isotope ratios measured in freshwater mussels from 19 lakes and ponds in Rhode Island, U.S.A., ranged from 4.9-12.6 per thousand and were found to ...

Freshwater mussels are an imperiled fauna exposed to a variety of environmental toxicants such as lead (Pb) and studies are urgently needed to assess their health and condition to guide conservation efforts. A 28-day laboratory toxicity test with Pb and adult Eastern elliptio mussels (Elliptio complanata) was conducted to determine uptake kinetics and to assess the toxicological effects of Pb e...

Study of invertebrate animals, especially insects, in Pennsylvania has a long history dating from before Linnaeus (1750s) and includes some of the earliest publications on the North American fauna. During the 1800s, most native species of invertebrates in Pennsylvania were named, but basic information on the biology of only a few species was published. The fauna of adjacent states (especially N...

Elemental carbon and nitrogen levels and isotope ratios were assessed in different biological compartments of a Northwest (NW) Mediterranean bay to trace the various sources of nutrient input from natural (river runoffs) and anthropogenic (harbor outflows, fish farms and urban sewage outfall) sources. Samples from transplanted mussels and natural sea grass communities (Posidonia oceanica leaves...