Stuff You Should Know How Snails Work
Dec 26, 2023
Discover the enchanting world of snails, creatures that may seem gross but are filled with surprises. Learn about their unique anatomy, including the fascinating process of torsion. Explore their ecological roles, from nutrient cycling to soil aeration. Dive into their intriguing reproductive behaviors and culinary uses, along with whimsical historical connections. The conversation strikes a humorous tone while advocating for the protection of these resilient gastropods, challenging the common perception of them as mere pests.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Snail Diversity
- Snails are surprisingly diverse, comprising 30,000-35,000 species.
- They range from tiny, sand-grain-sized creatures to giant African land snails as big as a human fist.
Snail Extinctions
- Over 400 snail species have gone extinct since scientists began tracking them.
- Hawaii's native snail species are facing a mass extinction crisis.
Snail Anatomy
- A snail's "tail" is actually the heel of its single foot, and its body is tucked inside its shell.
- The snail's head and anus are located next to each other at the shell's opening due to a twisting process called torsion.