If you are fascinated
by the beauty and detail
of
seashells, overwhelmed by
seashell diversity and
simply cannot walk
down a
beach without
collecting a few seashells,
it may just be that you
are a conchologist
at heart.
Of course, not all shell collectors are technically conchologists.
A serious
conchologist would debate that you must have the proper
motivation in your collection
of seashells (such as an interest in the
visual study of the systems, patterns
and natural history of the seashell)
in order to be considered a conchologist.
And,
the professional scientist
who studies the actual creature inside the shell
is
a malacologist.
But, why argue the details.
Since the beginning of time, people have
collected seashells.
There is even a “club” to join: the Conchologists of
America
(known as COA) is a society for sea shell collecting enthusiasts
from
all walks of life! They have an annual convention and give grants;
their website
discusses the discovery of new species and a Kids' section.
Seashells (those pretty baubles scattered on
the beach)
are more than just eye candy for the conchologist!
But, where do seashells come from?
What
are they? What purpose do seashells serve?
Seashells are the exterior skeletons
or hard
outer bodies of the mollusk
(or "soft-bodied" animals). This exterior
skeleton provides the animal with
shape and rigidity, camouflage and
protection
from predators and the
environment. These marine mollusks
themselves are a
diverse bunch! Some
are carnivores, some strict vegetarians,
others are scavengers, parasites or
predators. They may burrow, creep, tunnel,
float or
swim and they live in the mud, sand,
silt, coral, rocks, tide pools or grasses.
Mollusks make their shells from calcium.
The
hatching mollusk comes into
the world with a tiny shell. This shell
is a part
of the animal and grows with it.
As time passes, each marine mollusk’s shell
becomes slightly unique
to it alone. Differences develop due to its heredity, food, climate,
environment and lifetime accidents. You can learn a lot about
a
mollusk by studying his shell.
Perhaps there are healed-over breaks and chips which
speak
of a battle with a predator. Or color changes which indicate
changes in diet
or water chemicals. A thick or dull-colored shell
indicates the mollusk is old. Spiny shells which are worn smooth
indicate the mollusk lived in rough water;
whereas,
extravagant spiny extensions could mean its home was in quiet water.
Sometimes, the shell becomes so encrusted with marine organisms
that the
mollusk no longer can maneuver and will starve to death.
It is important to
remember that the shell
grown by the mollusk
is a part of the animal
and is alive.
The collecting of
seashells
should be done with
UTMOST RESPECT
to this fact.
If the seashell is
still a part
of a living mollusk,
it would be
just plain rude to pick him up
and put him in your bucket!
So, now you know!
You are not just a shell
collector or “beachcomber.”
You just may be an amateur conchologist.
And, if your
collection is over-whelming you,
remember the local seashell museum is soon to
open
and is searching for unique seashells!
