A trait dataset for freshwater mussels of the United States of America

The United States of America has a diverse collection of freshwater mussels comprising 301 species distributed among 59 genera and two families (Margaritiferidae and Unionidae), each having a unique suite of traits. Mussels are among the most imperilled animals and are critical components of their e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific data 2023-10, Vol.10 (1), p.745-745, Article 745
Main Authors: Hopper, Garrett W., Bucholz, Jamie R., DuBose, Traci P., Fogelman, Kaelyn J., Keogh, Sean M., Kubala, Megan E., Lodato, Matthew B., Nichols, David H., Sánchez González, Irene, Pfeiffer, John M., Stoeckel, James A., Lozier, Jeffrey D., Atkinson, Carla L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
631/158/670
631/601
Conservation status
Data Descriptor
Datasets
Genera
Geographical distribution
Humanities and Social Sciences
Life history
Mollusks
multidisciplinary
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Temperature tolerance
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Summary:The United States of America has a diverse collection of freshwater mussels comprising 301 species distributed among 59 genera and two families (Margaritiferidae and Unionidae), each having a unique suite of traits. Mussels are among the most imperilled animals and are critical components of their ecosystems, and successful management, conservation and research requires a cohesive and widely accessible data source. Although trait-based analysis for mussels has increased, only a small proportion of traits reflecting mussel diversity in this region has been collated. Decentralized and non-standardized trait information impedes large-scale analysis. Assembling trait data in a synthetic dataset enables comparison across species and lineages and identification of data gaps. We collated data from the primary literature, books, state and federal reports, theses and dissertations, and museum collections into a centralized dataset covering information on taxonomy, morphology, reproductive ecology and life history, fish hosts, habitats, thermal tolerance, geographic distribution, available genetic information, and conservation status. By collating these traits, we aid researchers in assessing variation in mussel traits and modelling ecosystem change.
ISSN:2052-4463
2052-4463
DOI:10.1038/s41597-023-02635-9