Dreissena (D.) Polymorpha: Evolutionary Origin and Biological Peculiarities as Prerequisites of Invasion Success

Abstract

The evolution of Dreissena polymorpha took place in changeable conditions in the successive series of Paratethys Great Lakes and Seas and their estuaries. Complicated intraspecific structure of species and sufficient divergence in environmental requirements among its subspecies allows Dreissena polymorpha to inhabit a variety of environmental conditions in its native area, the Ponto-Aralo-Caspian region. The only subspecies, Dreissena p. polymorpha, is known as an amphiatlantic invader in fresh and oligohaline waters of Europe and North America. Wide and fast dispersal and the successful establishment of this subspecies are facilitated both by biological peculiarities of the zebra mussel (e.g. unusual for freshwater bivalve mode of life, wide limits of environmental requirements, genetic polymorphism) and availability of man-mediated vectors.