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Limpet Lives

About 530 million years ago molluscs developed a hard shell to protect their soft body. Chitons were the first animal to do this but the limpet has been the most successful mollusc as its body is protected under one conical shaped shell. Professor Richard Fortey with Dr. Stephen Hawkins look at the differing shape of the shell. Limpets become more conical with age, the position on the shore can also affect the shape of the shell. Dr. Stephen Hawkins explains that the more conical the shell is the more successful the limpet will be as it has the increased ability to retain water. Dr. Stephen Hawkins explains the feeding and territorial behaviour of limpets. The large foot of the limpet allows it to hold onto the rock, β€˜home scar’, and that limpets are very territorial of this place. Sensory tentacles allow the limpet to detect water and then allow the foraging for begin.

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4 minutes

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