Threats to Freshwater Mussel Survival

Several factors can affect the health of freshwater mussel habitat. These include dams, pollution, and water quality. As you watch the video, think about how each of these factors might lead to an increase or decrease in mussel population.

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After watching, use Arrange It to test your knowledge of healthy and unhealthy habitats. You may also click below to read a transcript of the video.

Video Transcript

Danielle Kreeger: One of the main reasons is because for a freshwater mussel to reproduce—to complete its life cycle—it needs a fish. And every single mussel species has a very specific kind of fish, a size of fish, and a species of fish that it will reproduce with.

Shirley (Reporter): Maybe man-made dams are keeping that specific fish host from the mussels. Pollution and water quality issues could also have something to do with their dwindling numbers.

Create two lists using the chart below. Build the list by dragging words from the left onto the list where they belong. As you work, think about any other factors that contribute to healthy or unhealthy habitats and create additional cards if necessary.