Mussel Reproduction Process

The lifecycle and reproduction of mussels are dependent on fish. Each species of mussel uses a different strategy to attract the fish that it needs to ensure its offspring survive. Jennifer Kurth, Iowa DNR Biologist, explains this unique process and shows just a few of the different mussel species found in the Boone River.

• How does the reproductive behavior of mussels ensure the mussels survival?

• Why do living things look different from each other?
• Why do living things look the way they do?
• Why would one mussel have a reproductive advantage over another?
• Why is there such a variety of mussels in Iowa?
• What is the significance of reproduction?

Students could:

• Use one or more of the lessons from Iowa Land and Sky: Iowa Plant and Animal Reproduction Storyline.
• Evaluate reasons why living things differ in their appearance.
• Develop a claim that one reason living things look different from each other is to help increase their chances of reproduction. Support the claim with evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Have students research how other plants and animals utilize similar reproductive strategies and discuss the advantages each organism gains from the strategy.
• Engage in argument from evidence to describe how characteristic structures of mussels affect the probability of successful reproduction. Generate a list of why living things look the way they do. 
• Have students each generate individual charts showing observations and questions about reproduction. 

• PBS LearningMedia | Iowa PBS: Iowa Land and Sky:  This project contains resources for educators including an Iowa Plant and Animal Reproduction Strategies storyline.  
• PBS LearningMedia | Iowa Plant and Animal Reproduction Storyline: This storyline is a complete unit with objectives, phenomena, and instruction all linked back to the Iowa Core. 
• Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) | America's Mussels: Silent Sentinels: This resource from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains the importance of mussels, where mussels can be found, as well as the threats to mussels.