Dear Nuells,

A project very much like the one you propose was completed not long ago:

Tucker, J. K., 1994.  The crown conch (Melongena: Melongenidae) in Florida
and Alabama with a description of Melongena sprucecreekensis n. sp. Bull.
Flor. Mus. Nat. Hist. 36(7): 181-203. July 7.

If your searches of the literature haven't been fruitful, perhaps this
study has eluded your quest.  I know how you can get a copy.  Email me
directly if interested.

Harry


At 11:04 AM 10/25/99 -0400, you wrote:
>My son Robert J. Nuelle, III will be conducting his science fair study on
>the distribution of varying spine morphs of Melongena corona populations in
>Florida. We have many differing morphs in our collection and have always
>wondered why there are so many different combinations of spines on these
>specimens. Many years ago these morphs each seemed to have a subspecific
>name - or form attached to them but we cannot find any information as to
>whether or not these names have survived intact or if now science treats
>these variations as simple variability in a single species.
>
>He will be travelling to various spots on both East and West Coasts of the
>state and collecting data(50 specimens) at each site. Each shell's position
>will be marked, it will be placed in a matching number plastic bag. Each
>shell will be measured, the rows of spines counted [shoulder & ventral] and
>the total number of spines recorded. The location of each shell will be
>transferred to a grid and then all specimens will be released back where
>they were originally found. Noteworthy specimens will de digitally
>photographed. He is hoping to discover what factors influence spine
>development in the species.
>
>His hypothesis is that rows/number of spines are hereditary and not
>dependent on outside factors such as water temperature, depth, salinity,
>age.
>
>We would love to know any locations, that you may be aware of,  where a
>populations may be physically separated by a roadway thus yielding two
>isolated local communities. He would appreciate any assistance, also
>regarding where he can research other studies on this topic, as well as base
>information on Melongena corona. Our searches to date for literature have
>been not very fruitful.
>
>We thank any and all who offer assistance, and offer our apologies to any
>who are annoyed by our inquiry.
>
>Robert J. Nuelle, Jr.
>Robert J. Nuelle, III
>
>
>
>Attachment Converted: "c:\comm\mspring\DOWNLOAD\Melongen.htm"
>
Harry G. Lee
Suite 500
1801 Barrs St.
Jacksonville, Fl. 32204
USA   904-384-6419
<[log in to unmask]>
Visit the Jacksonville Shell Club Home Page at:
http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/wfrank/jacksonv.htm

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