Shell shape variation and fitness variables in the gastropodLittorina saxatilis

On shores on the east coast of Yorkshire, England, the gastropodLittorina saxatilisshows consistency in shell shape variation in samples taken from the upper portion of its intertidal range. Using analysis of shell dimensions by standard multivariate techniques and extended eigenshape analysis, this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 2011-05, Vol.430, p.103-112
Main Authors: Walker, Thomas N., Grahame, John W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Average linear density
Coefficients
Correlations
Eigenvalues
Geometric mean
Geometric shapes
Mollusks
Principal components analysis
Snails
THEME SECTION: Evolution and ecology of marine biodiversity: mechanisms and dynamics
Variable coefficients
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Summary:On shores on the east coast of Yorkshire, England, the gastropodLittorina saxatilisshows consistency in shell shape variation in samples taken from the upper portion of its intertidal range. Using analysis of shell dimensions by standard multivariate techniques and extended eigenshape analysis, this variation can be dissected into different aspects, and related to the ‘Raup growth parameters’. Some of the shell variation is shown to be related to the relative proportions of body and brood mass, and to an estimate of reproductive effort. This implies an association (perhaps indirect) between subtle variations in shell shape and fitness variables.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599