Nearly Buried, Mussels Get a Helping Hand

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Freshwater mussels are surprisingly diverse in North America, but they are also the most endangered group of animals in the United States. Dams, pollution, and invasive species have already driven dozens of kinds to extinction. These threats are exacerbated by the highly evolved reproductive biology of mussels. In this video, news reporter Erik Stokstad explains their surprising and sophisticated strategies, including a deceptive mimicry that attracts unsuspecting fishes. He also describes a trip to a hotspot of mussel diversity to see biologists working to help prevent further extinctions.