The neural origins of shell structure and pattern in aquatic mollusks.
We present a model to explain how the neurosecretory system of aquatic mollusks generates their diversity of shell structures and pigmentation patterns. The anatomical and physiological basis of this model sets it apart from other models used to explain shape and pattern. The model reproduces most known shell shapes and patterns and accurately predicts how the pattern alters in response to environmental disruption and subsequent repair. Finally, we connect the model to a larger class of neural models.
Biophysics Graduate Group and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, 216 Wellman Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Alistair
A
Boettiger
Bard
B
Ermentrout
George
G
Oster
D000825:Animal Structures / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004777:Environment; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008974:Mollusca / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009420:Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems; D010858:Pigmentation; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
D014867:Water