On Tue, 3 Feb 1998, Gary Rosenberg wrote:
>
> Also see my article in American Conchologist vol. 25(1):25-26 (March 1997),
> "Why do shells have their colors?" I suggest that in some cases the
> explanation is not visual--shell pigments can serve a structural function
> also, strengthening the shell.
 
You mentioned the possible structural function of the purple pigments in
shells.  Does this have something to do with the dark purple muscle scar
in crassostrea virginica, or is related to something completely different?
Since the oyster would die for sure if these muscles were damaged, it
would seem to me to be a good candidate.
 
Greg Herbert