DNA research identifies five southern US freshwater mussel species

Researchers from Shedd Aquarium, Arkansas State University and the US Geological Survey describe five new freshwater mussel species in Zootaxa, according to Shedd’s account published by Phys.org. DNA samples from southern US rivers helped separate similar-looking Obovaria mussels. Identifying their restricted ranges can guide conservation planning; recognition of the species does not itself secure their habitats or recovery.