Post by coyote on Jul 11, 2011 22:07:08 GMT
'Left-handed' coiling snails survive more snake attacks
By Victoria Gill
Science and nature reporter, BBC News
Snails with shells that coil anti-clockwise are less likely to fall prey to snakes than their clockwise-coiling cousins, scientists have discovered.
The arrangement of the snakes' teeth makes it difficult for the reptiles to grasp these "left-handed" snails.
The effect of this advantage on the survival of Satsuma snails is so great, say the researchers, that they could separate into a distinct species.
read more here.
By Victoria Gill
Science and nature reporter, BBC News
Snails with shells that coil anti-clockwise are less likely to fall prey to snakes than their clockwise-coiling cousins, scientists have discovered.
The arrangement of the snakes' teeth makes it difficult for the reptiles to grasp these "left-handed" snails.
The effect of this advantage on the survival of Satsuma snails is so great, say the researchers, that they could separate into a distinct species.
read more here.
