2801 Sharon Turnpike; P.O. Box ABMillbrook NY 12545-0129, USA
Dr. Strayer's research is focused on the distribution and roles of freshwater invertebrates. He is currently working on the ecology of the Hudson River and on understanding the controls on distribution and abundance of pearly mussels. He is co-author of The Pearly Mussels of New York State, a comprehensive book on unionids, a diverse and endangered group of animals. In addition, Dr. Strayer has developed A Beginner's Key to Freshwater Meiofauna to accompany Palmer, M. A., D. L. Strayer, and S. D. Rundle. 2005. Meiofauna. In: F. R. Hauer and G. A. Lamberti (eds.). Stream ecology: field and laboratory exercises.
Beds of water celery (Vallisneria americana) and other plants are widespread in the Hudson River, and play several important ecological functions. These beds contain a diverse invertebrate community, which may serve as a major source of food to the river's fish.
What controls the distribution and abundance of pearly mussels, a species-rich and highly endangered group of animals in eastern North America?
Zebra mussels appeared in the Hudson in 1991 and fundamentally transformed the ecosystem. The zebra mussel invasion is linked to losses of native mussels and changes in the fish community.
For three decades, our scientists have been researching the Hudson River ecosystem– from the way shoreline development impacts water quality to how invasive species influence resident plants and animals. As a result, the Hudson is the most scientifically scrutinized river in the world.
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies | Millbrook, New York 12545 | Tel (845) 677-5343
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