Sea Snails: A natural history

Description:

This comprehensive portrait of sea snails presents the diversity and natural history of sea snail groups. By integrating aspects of morphology, ecology, evolution and behaviour, it describes how each group copes with problems of defence, locomotion, nutrition, reproduction and embryonic development.

A broad, panoramic view of all major sea snail groups is presented, including both the more abundant and some remote ones of special interest. In detailing primitive sea snails, first limpets (Patellogastropoda) are described, followed by brush snails (Vetigastropoda: top-shells, turbans and allies) and nerites (Neritimorpha). In looking at advanced-snails (Caenogastropoda), it details the herbivorous grazers and filter-feeders and the many predators, some which use venomous darts. Also covers sea slugs (Opisthobranchia), which have shifted from mechanical to chemical defence; some are herbivores, some use their food to harness solar energy, others are predators that gain stinging cells and poisonous compounds from their food.

Also covers aspects of sea snails in human culture, including use as sacred artefacts and objects of magic and money, as a source of the royal and sacred dyes of purple and blue and as holy ceremonial trumpets. Richly illustrated with over 200 illustrations (mostly in colour).