Growth patterns of the pan-European freshwater mussel, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Unionidae), vary with sex and mortality in populations.

摘要: Post-maturation growth leading to indeterminate patterns is widespread in nature. However, its adaptive value unclear. Life history theory suggests this allocation strategy may be favored by temporal pulses the intensity of mortality and/or capacity produce new tissues.Addressing origin and variability patterns, we studied duck mussels, Anodonta anatina, a pan-European unionid, 18 Polish lakes. For each population, sex, size, age collected mussels were measured estimate Bertalanffy's curve parameters. We integrated information on A. anatina rates, lake trophy, biofouling zebra Dreissena polymorpha, prevalence parasitic trematode larvae identify selective conditions lakes.We found two sources populations, pertaining adverse effects mussel trophy state survival. Additionally, populations with heavier presented smaller abundance parasites, indicative relationship between filtering contraction water-borne A. anatina.Consistently for greater trophy-related characterized asymptotic size Lmax , life response risk involving early maturation at body size. In all females featured higher larger versus males.Our findings support theoretical view that responses selection involve adjustments lifetime resource patterns. These should considered drivers species taking parental care offspring brooding cavities.