The Biology of<i>Purpura Lapillus</i>. I. Shell Variation in Relation to Environment

Abstract

By examination of samples of Purpura lapillus from the whole of their European range, it appears that the species can exhibit quite as wide variation within a relatively small region such as that studied in the Dorset-Devon-Cornwall area, as it can over its whole geographic range. Population samples were taken from seventy-six localities, mostly in the south-west of England, and covering a wide range of environmental conditions, and the variations in these shells were studied in relation to two primary environmental factors, degree of exposure to wave-action and diet.