Shells
Bouchet, P. (2008). Shells. Abbeville Press Publishers: New York. ISBN 978-0-7892-0989-4. 168 pp.
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| Available in | Author |
VLIZ: Mollusca (General) MOL.192 [104046]
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| Keywords |
Animal products > Shells
Anthropogenic effects
Biodiversity
Collections
Collections > Museum collections
Taxa > Species
Arthropoda [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
More than just an appreciation of shells, this book captures all the artistry of the undersea world. Prized since ancient times for their beauty, shells appear in Mexican temple art, on Greek and Roman vases, in Renaissance paintings and architectural sculpture, and in modern jewelry and furniture. The artists themselves are thousands of species of mollusks, which produce shells of infinite shapes and sizes: the polished, the patinated, and the peculiar. From porcelain cones and miters to coleus and whirls, the collector GCOs favorites account for barely five percent of known species (mollusks are the second largest phylum after arthropods), and it is possible we havenGCOt even discovered half of them. They are abundant and widespread, living from the Arctic to the Antarctic, in oceans and in streams, ponds, and lakes on every continent. They have been discovered on high Himalayan peaks, in bleak deserts, and on sandy beaches as well as in shallow lagoons and water as deep as 21,00 feet. The marvelous collection of shells featured here is both a celebration and a scientific investigation. Philippe Bouchet GCOs writing is rich with the flavors of malacology, bringing in examples of biodiversity, the threats from anthropogenic pressure, and the important scientific and patrimonial role played by natural history museums, which are invaluable conservatories. We follow the author and his team in their exploration work, sampling and sifting, on board the French Institute for Research and Development vessel, off the coast of New Caledonia. |
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