Meeting Abstract

S1-1.11  Jan. 4  Induced flow in gastropods: Filling in the holes VOLTZOW, J.; Univ. of Scranton, Pennsylvania voltzowj2@scranton.edu

Many organisms can take advantage of an induced flow by exploiting pressure gradients caused by their shape or the shape of their burrow to enhance flow through or around them. The shells of the marine gastropods of the families Fissurellidae, Haliotidae, and Pleurotomariidae (keyhole limpets, abalone, and slit shells) have openings or slits that may permit them to passively induce the flow of seawater through their mantle cavities. Fissurellids have an induced flow that appears to enhance the efficiency of their respiration in moving water. Some species of fissurellids that lack apical openings in their shells form siphons with their mantles that elevate the excurrent window above the rest of the body. The elevated series of openings, or tremata, of haliotids, especially of those that live in subtidal areas marked by strong currents, permit a passively induced flow through the mantle cavity. Pleurotomariids line the slit with the edges of the mantle and elevate one portion into an excurrent siphon. The position of this siphon, as indicated by a scar on the inside of the shell, would make it possible for these animals also to take advantage of a passively induced flow.