Studies on Mesodon ferrissi (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) I. General Ecology and Biometrid Analysis
Solem A. 1955. Studies on Mesodon ferrissi (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) I. General Ecology and Biometrid Analysis. Ecology. 36(1):83-89
SUMMARY: 1. Mllesodon ferrissi has been chosen for a long- range study of variation because of its size, restricted geographic and ecologic distribution, isolated taxonomic position, undisturbed habitat and cessation of growth at maturity marked by the formation of a reflected lip. 2. Historically this species has a relatively long record and geographically its range was found to be quite circumscribed. 3. The known ecology of Mesodon ferrissi seems to indicate special need for an unusually large amount of moisture. 4. The height and diameter of specimens in five museums and two private collections were measured to the nearest 0.1 mm. Whorl counts were made of 133 specimens. These figures were used in a simple statistical analysis. 5. Variation in both diameter and whorl count followed the expected normal distribution. How- ever, the variation in height was bimodal and seemingly correlated with observed ecologic differences.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Solem, Alan
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-01450, land snails, Mesodon ferrissi, Mollusca, SER, Southeast Region