A clasic example of Darwin's theory.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pete Krull" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 2:57 PM
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Albino Shells


> It seems to me that if a species has a dark shell in dark sand and a light
> shell in light sand, that those are inherited traits brought about by
> natural selection. It happens in all kinds of animals. If there is an
> advantage gained by blending into the environment to avoid detection by
> predators, that is an advantage and more of the advantaged forms will
> reproduce. Often the end result is an entire local population with the
> advantaged characteristic(s). pete krull
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Dennis sargent
> Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 4:55 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Albino Shells
>
> Fabio,
>
> The mechanism of color production in the shells of mollusks has not been
> fully determined; however, it is interesting to note that several species
> of
> Oliva will reflect the color of their environment, Examples are Oliva
> jaspidea and Oliva panniculata. These may be black or dark from the areas
> of
> black sand and white from areas with white sand.
> Ed Petuch and I feel that there is something in the environment that
> affects
> the production of color in the shells. Tursch and Greifeneder established
> the theory they called "local color palette" based upon areas where
> several
> species of Oliva were found together and exhibited similar color and
> patterns. We have been looking for answers and only finding more
> questions.
> But that is what science is all about!
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Dennis Sargent
>
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