Hi Linda,

Any two points can be connected to make a line. (What would your story be if
the older specimens had been smaller than the recent ones?) And actual
measurements would help. But it's a start! Good ideas have to come from
somewhere.

Andy

Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Linda Bush
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 10:14 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Donax variabilis


HI, CONCH-Lers!

I recently acquired two sets of Donax that  tell an interesting story.  The
first were collected a few months ago in the Gulf; they were very numerous,
gorgeous colors, but small and semi-translucent.   Then I came across a
large set of Donax in 200 lbs
. of mostly junky, broken beach shells.  They are most likely from Florida,
but collected decades ago.   They are huge, compared to the recent set, and
thick enough to be essentially opaque.   They are also more pastel on the
outside than the recent set
.  But they have lain for years; even in the dark, they would probably have
faded.  But the interiors are glossy and quite colorful.

I would hazard a guess that this reflects the change in the environment -
more food, less polution, etc.

I wonder if some of you can cite similar changes in other species (some of
which have almost disappeared, at least for beach/shallow water collecting).
I need not comment on the causative factors.

Cordially,
Linda

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