Bivalve Filter Feeders

An examination of the bivalve filter-feeding mollusk from an ecological point of view, which explores its physiology, grazing, predation, physical environment and environmental management. This mollusk contributes to coastal ecosystems by removing suspended material from the water.

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Bivalve filter-feeding mollusks are important components of coastal ecosystems because they remove large quantities of suspended material from the water and excrete abundant amounts of reactive nutrients. These animals are also major prey for numerous predators including birds, fish, mammals, and invertebrates; furthermore, they are significant food resources for humans. While studies on the population level have dominated bivalve ecology, the recent focus on the ecosystem roles of filter feeding systems has led to large-scale investigations. This approach, which is outlined in the text, focuses on the specific topics of physiology, grazing, predation, nutrient cycling, physical environment, computer simulation modelling, and environmental management.