I would assume that molluscs have also developed an antifreeze blood
compound similar to fish that keeps ice crystals from forming and
propagating in the bloodstream.
 
Skip
Skip Krasny
Environment & Energy
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> ----------
> From:         Wesley M. Thorsson[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Conchologists of America List
> Sent:         Thursday, September 24, 1998 5:27 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Winterized molluscs
>
> Paul:
>
> Though this is addressed to Paul, the answer to the following question
> should be of interest to a number of people on CONCH-L
>
> A while ago, you had a most complete listing of what species can be
> found where in Cape Cod and environs.  This will appear in Internet HSN
> in October.  My wife, after reviewing the issue for errors on my part
> asked a simple question.  What do the molluscs who live in the splash
> zone on intra tidal areas do when it is freezing in your arctic
> conditions?  One would suppose they would freeze solid, expand and break
> the shell without some means of protection.
>
> It is hard for tropical people such as us to imagine such a rich source
> of species as you listed in your area, though we lived most of our pre
> middle age lives in the New York/New England area.
>
> Aloha, Wes
>