Extinction risk in relation to growth rate amongst bivalve molluscs

What is it about?

In the North Atlantic area a number of fast-growing scallop and oyster species became extinct in the last few million years. We investigated extinction risk in relation to growth rate within other bivalve groups. The fastest growing species identified amongst these has survived to the present, suggesting that high growth rate does not increase extinction risk.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This is the first explicit study of extinction risk in relation to growth rate amongst bivalves. Given reductions in temperature and primary production in the North Atlantic over the last few million years it was reasonable to expect that fast growers (favoured by high temperature and production) would be more susceptible to extinction.

Perspectives