The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District

Freshwater Mussels: An On-Line Quiz

Few people know very much about the freshwater mussels of Nebraska. Take this test to check your knowledge about these unique and interesting animals of Nebraska's aquatic world. Click on your answer to find out if you're right.

QUIZ QUESTIONS

#1. A large percentage of Nebraska's freshwater mussles are listed as threatened and/or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
TRUE ----- FALSE

#2. The Platte River in Nebraska once had a rich and diverse community of freshwater mussles.
TRUE ----- FALSE

#3. Freshwater mussels belong to the phylum (group) of animals known as _____.
A. Mollusks
B. Echinoderms
C. Crustaceans
D. Arthropods

#4. Which of the following are also members of the mussels phylum (group)?
A. Snails
B. Octopus
C. Sea urchins
D. Slugs
E. Crayfish

#5. The largest populations of freshwater mussels in the Platte Valley are found in:
A. Irrigation ditches and lakes
B. The main channels of the Platte River

#6. The kind of river bottom most conducive to freshwater mussels is:
A. Shifting sand
B. Silt
C. Cobble stone

#7. Which of the following freshwater mussels found in the Platte River Valley?
A. heelsplitters
B. liliput
C. floater
D. maple leaf
E. All of the above

#8. As larvae, many freshwater mussels are parasites on :
A. Crayfish
B. Fish
C. Waterfowl
D. Muskrats and beavers

#9. Freshwater mussels are a game species in Nebraska.
TRUE ----- FALSE

#10. Freshwater mussels are useful to humans.
TRUE ----- FALSE