How Do Populations of Giant Snails Cope Annual Changes? – #365papers – 2017 – 136

#365papers for May 16, 2017

Miranda and Fontenelle, 2015, Population dynamics of Megalobulimus paranaguensis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) the the southeast coast of Brazil: Zoologia, v. 32, p. 463-468.

What’s it about?

This study used techniques described in yesterday’s paper to examine the annual changes in activity of a population of Megalobulimus paranaguensis snails in southeast Brazil. There are specific periods of time when more snails are active and when they are reproducing, based upon the environmental conditions such as evaportranspiration and precipitation. These snails are more active during the winter months and are dormant during the summer.

Why does it matter?

In the case of this paper, it’s nice to know when snails are most active in order to focus conservation efforts. From the perspective of paleontology, it’s helpful to know when snails are growing to better understand geochemical signals in their shells.

Why did I read this?

I’m working on a study involving Megalobulimus shells. I need to know as much as possible about their life history in order to effectively interpret the geochemical results.