The Gray Area with Sean Illing How seashells shaped the world — and predict our future
Aug 19, 2021
Cynthia Barnett, an environmental journalist and author of "The Sound of the Sea," shares her insights on the fascinating world of seashells. She discusses how these natural wonders played pivotal roles in ancient trade, influencing human history profoundly. The conversation delves into the beauty of shells, their environmental significance, and the alarming effects of climate change on marine life. Barnett also reveals the surprising connection between cowrie shells and the global economy, underscoring the urgent need for conservation.
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Seashell Origins
- Seashells are created by marine mollusks, invertebrates dwelling in the ocean.
- There are about 50,000 known species, but scientists believe many more are undiscovered.
Shell as Defense
- Mollusks primarily use their shells for defense against predators.
- Shell complexity evolved alongside predators' teeth and claws, an evolutionary arms race.
Shell Formation
- Mollusks create shells through biomineralization, using calcium carbonate from seawater.
- They secrete the shell at the edges, growing faster during their "teenage" years.
