General equations for volume and surface area of a logarithmically coiled shell.

The equations of Moseley for the volume and surface area of a coiled shell have been rewritten in their most general forms. The general volume equation has been tested with 15 gastropods and found to give satisfactory results wherever there are no significant ontogenetic changes in the shell geometry. The equations provide a means for calculating the carbonate efficiency of a coiled shell. With this parameter analyzed into its component parts, it has been possible to understand the relationships between aspects of shell calcification and environmental factors that affect calcium carbonate availability. Preliminary studies indicate that it also may be possible to discriminate morphologically between terrestrial and aquatic gastropods, the various gastropod modes of life, and higher taxonomic categories. These equations offer possibilities for other studies concerned with the ecology, paleoecology, and evolution of coiled shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]