The Common Descent Podcast Episode 234 - Snails and Slugs
Jan 4, 2026
Dive into the fascinating world of gastropods, from their diverse habitats to their unique anatomy! Discover the evolution of shells, including how different shapes impact survival. Learn about the intriguing adaptations of predatory snails and the vibrant colors of nudibranchs. Uncover the extreme environments these creatures thrive in, including hydrothermal vents. Plus, explore the significant fossil record that traces their history and the conservation challenges they face today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gastropods’ Core Body Plan Explains Success
- Gastropods are the most speciose mollusks and occupy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats worldwide.
- Their basic body plan (head, foot, visceral mass, mantle) explains their success across environments.
Mantle Controls Shell And Respiration
- The mantle secretes and repairs the shell and houses the mantle cavity with gills or lung-like tissue.
- Mantle-driven shell growth and remodeling let gastropods adapt shell shape to lifestyle and environment.
Shell Shapes Evolve Repeatedly
- Shell form varies dramatically: conispiral, planispiral, and limpet (non-coiling) shapes evolved repeatedly.
- Convergent shell types like bivalved Juliidae show extreme evolutionary experimentation.