Andrew Dickson wrote:

> I really think I do not have much of a problem telling things apart.  I
> think it takes a trained eye and a few years in the field helps.

Absolutely.We have seen that Whales can be easily identified, knowing what
to look for.
Gorillas and chimps in their habitat have been identified by particular
markings.
A shepherd would know his each and every sheep, probably by name.
Horses!! some people can tell you the name of a particular racehorse from a
mile (especially if it won or lost! his bet).
With shells it is the same. Once a few particular important features are
mastered, a key for a particular family could be drawn. It is not easy, but
it can be done - given time.
We have seen some miraculous keys published for the Mediterranean mollusca
in the last twenty years and we are still working on it.




--
Constantine Mifsud
4, Shepherds' Str.,
Rabat RBT 02,
MALTA.
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