> Please excuse me.
>
> I rarely post, but this issue sparked some interest. Occasionally a
> researcher discovers a species which is so unique that it is obvious
> to him
> or her that it is new to science. What is the minimum number of
> examples
> required to be considered? I'm unable to find the answer in the
> ICZN.
There are species of shells where only a single specimen was known and
described at the time.
> Second question. How does one determine if a new species is
> juvenile, if he
> or she does not have a baseline to compare?
I can't help you with chitons. Many groups of shells can show evidence
of immaturity seen by a thin or fragile edge. I imagine Cypraea can
give conchologists and malacologists quite a challenge.
When we used to dive the Bay Islands off Honduras, we found typical small
Latirus martini around an inch long (25-30mm). We started exploring
other areas around Roatan Island and we found a few monster L. martini
which were over two inches. These shells looked more like Latirus
carniferus when larger. Someone on that trip thought these monsters were
something else. I argued, "Suppose I chop the spires off these big ones.
Now what do I have?". The other diver then agreed with me.
I hope this helps Ghost Sheller. I also hope I don't come across an
invisible collector when I am out in the field.
Andrew