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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