Date of Award
9-2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Roni Kingsley
Second Advisor
Dr. Michael Harrison
Third Advisor
Dr. Malcolm Hill
Abstract
A survey of the Unionidae within the Pamunkey Watershed was conducted to investigate changes in distribution and species richness compared to a previous survey (Riddick, 1973) conducted over 30 years ago. Species richness decreased from 10 species in the previous survey to four species in the present survey. Notable increases of species richness were found in the upper South Anna and the lower North Anna regions, while sizable decreases were found in the lower South Anna and the upper and middle regions of the Pamunkey River. Regression analyses and t-tests comparing mussel survey data with habitat parameters were conducted to investigate the habitat characteristics most linked to unionid populations. The results indicated that greater composition of larger substrates and lower levels of silt deposition were significantly correlated to mussel presence. Crop land was the only quantified land use to correlate significantly (negatively) with changes in species richness and regional abundance parameters.
Recommended Citation
Lees, William Robert, "An investigation of the changes of species richness and distribution of the unionidae (Bivalvia: Molusca) within the Pamunkey Watershed" (2005). Master's Theses. 662.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/662