Potential for Range Expansion of the Invasive Green Mussel, Perna Viridis, in the Southeastern United States

摘要: Cold temperatures are thought to be among the most important determining factors of geographic distribution for tropical and sub-tropical marine invertebrates. The Asian green mussel, Perna viridis, has been introduced into coastal waters Florida where its current is hypothesized limited by low during winter. Lethal sublethal effects (heat shock protein/ Hsp70 expression) cold water air were analyzed in two size classes P. viridis from an effort determine forecasted on potential range expansion. Mussels exposed 14, 10, 7 3°C up 30 days, or 7, 0 -10°C periods hours. Mortality was significantly increased at all ≤ 14°C. No consistent differences mortality rates observed between small (15-45mm) large (75-105mm) after exposure either air. Significant increases expression a hour 10°C water, but not any which also significant. temperature threshold survival this population appears 10-14°C suggests that under conditions, may already northern edge United States. However, if increase association with global climate change, northerly flowing currents permit expansion as allow.