Hi
Rarity (and conversely, commoness) and reasons for it, form an active and interesting area of ecology. What at first appears to be something that is quite easy to understand turns out to be complex. There is a very large body of literature on the subject, a lot of it quite recent.
Regards
Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
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Sent: 01 February 2006 16:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Rarities


Dear Leslie et al;-
      I shouldn't have used the word "only" ,   and I remember his name as being Norm Paschal.  Maybe one reason for rarity (not mentioned as yet) might be evolution. A species may be being replaced by an "upgrade". The older form might then become Rare.
      Art


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---- Leslie Allen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The concept ...
> "Rare shells are rare only because their habitat is relatively unknown."
> .. is a bit of a misnomer touted as a part of a certain Malacologists generic
> hoopla.  It is blanket statement that covers many but not all species.
>
> As with all animals, some are prolific breeders, and others are not.  Whereby
> for may species there will never be a proverbial “mother load” or commonness,
> this leading to “rarity” in there actual occurrence and - or in trying to find
> them.
>
> Leslie
>
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