Mulvey, M., H. P. Liu and K. L. Kandl (1998).  Application of molecular genetic 
markers to conservation of freshwater bivalves. Journal of Shellfish Research.  
17:1395-1405.
	
Freshwater bivalves (Unionacea) are among the most endangered faunal elements in 
North America. Molecular genetic studies have much to offer conservation efforts 
directed to this declining fauna. Molecular genetic data can provide information 
needed to identify evolutionarily significant units, resolve taxonomic 
ambiguities, describe population structure, evaluate impacts of habitat 
fragmentation and reduced gene flow among populations, reconstruct phylogenetic 
relationships, clarify fish host-glochidia relationships, and provide evidence 
in legal actions. Molecular genetic techniques and their application to 
freshwater bivalves are reviewed.