Comedian Jim Gaffigan may have famously described them as "rocks with snot in them," but mussels (along with oysters, clams and other bivalve molluscs) are incredible — and incredibly important — animals.
Freshwater mussels' filtration of water as they feed helps to ensure the health of our rivers, lakes and streams. Their reproductive strategies are awe-inspiringly cunning, not to mention a little bit horrifying. And most importantly, they're a homegrown biological treasure, with the Southeastern United States sporting a greater diversity of freshwater mussels than almost anywhere else on Earth.
So in honor of International Day of Women and Girls In Science (and Galentine's Day), we've invited four Aquarium mussel fans and experts on the show to put the notion of mussels being underwhelming well and truly to bed.
Check out a hotspot of freshwater mussels diversity in Tennessee's Duck River:https://youtu.be/IcBSk6WnGY0?si=z-Hj5aPuLoJxggVE
Episode Cast
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