Shell variability of the terrestrial mollusk Chondrula tridens (Pulmonata, Enidae) in the forest–steppe zone of the volga upland

Komarova, E. V.; Smirnov, D. G.; Stojko, T. G.

Shell variability of the terrestrial mollusk Chondrula tridens (Pulmonata, Enidae) in the forest–steppe zone of the volga upland

2015

Komarova, E. V. | Smirnov, D. G. | Stojko, T. G.

Shell variability of the steppe mollusk Chondrula tridens from 18 micropopulations in the forest–steppe zone of the Volga Upland was studied. It was found that larger specimens of C. tridens with well-developed teeth inhabit the central and eastern parts of the territory. Specimens in the northwestern part of the upland are characterized by small shells, the highest degree of roundness, and mostly reduced teeth in the mouth. The main factors that determine variability in the size and proportions of shells are the average daily temperatures increasing from the northwest to the south, the reduction in the total precipitation, the decrease in the soil moisture content, and, possibly, the increased content of carbonates in the soil.

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