Gastropods: Diversity, Habitat and Genetics (Animal Science, Issues and Professions)

Gastropods are a large taxonomic class within the molluscs, a group of animals that are more commonly known as snails and slugs. With more than 30,000 living species world-wide and about 15,000 fossil forms, gastropods have a history as far back as the early Cambrian period. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the diversity, habitats and genetics of gastropods. Topics discussed include gastropods as paleoenvironmental indicators; diversity in the growth patterns of marine gastropods; the molecular structure of the snail PCTS influencing their habitat; European terrestrial gastropod distribution; and, diversity and gastropodochory studies.