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Madagasikara (gastropod)
''Madagasikara'' is a genus of tropical freshwater snails with an operculum (gastropod), operculum, aquatic animal, aquatic gastropod molluscs in the family (biology), family Pachychilidae. The Genus, generic name ''Madagasikara'' is from the Malagasy language and means "Madagascar". This genus is Endemism, endemic to List of non-marine molluscs of Madagascar, Madagascar. Nomenclature In systematic literature before 2010 the name ''Melanatria'' Thomas Edward Bowdich, Bowdich, 1822 was generally used for this group. Another name, which was used particularly in earlier taxonomic literature of the 19th century is ''Pirena'' Lamarck, 1799. However, it has been shown that both names are not available for this genus. The name ''Melanatria'' is a nomen dubium, not based on a recognizable species while the name ''Pirena'' is a junior synonym of ''Faunus'' Born, 1758, which is a different genus within the family Pachychilidae. Therefore, introduction of a new name, ''Madagasikara'', ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gastropod Shell
The gastropod shell is part of the body of a Gastropoda, gastropod or snail, a kind of mollusc. The shell is an exoskeleton, which protects from predators, mechanical damage, and dehydration, but also serves for muscle attachment and calcium storage. Some gastropods appear shell-less (slugs) but may have a remnant within the mantle, or in some cases the shell is reduced such that the body cannot be retracted within it (semi-slug). Some snails also possess an operculum that seals the opening of the shell, known as the Aperture (mollusc), aperture, which provides further protection. The study of mollusc shells is known as conchology. The biological study of gastropods, and other molluscs in general, is malacology. Shell morphology terms vary by species group. Shell layers The gastropod shell has three major layers secreted by the Mantle (mollusc), mantle. The calcareous central layer, tracum, is typically made of calcium carbonate precipitated into an organic matrix known as c ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
