title: Imposex measurement in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus (L.)--temporal aspects of specimen preparation.
abstract: The measurement of the Relative Penis Size Index (RPSI) in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus (L.) depends upon reliable observations of the length of the penis (PL). Following removal of soft tissue from the shell, PL increases with time leading to a progressively greater over-estimation of the RPSI. The error is proportionally greater at low RPSI values. To retain comparability with previous data, it is suggested that dogwhelks should be examined as soon as possible after shell crushing.
authors.affiliation: FRS Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB. minchina@marlab.ac.uk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minchin
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012908:Snails / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors; D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C011559:tributyltin