A preliminary study on conchological physio-pathology, with special reference to Pelecypoda

Abstract

This study is concerned with pathological and near-pathological functions, and their sequela, which produce certain structural abnormalities in the pelecypod shell. The phenomena are grouped as follows: decremental phenomena of cicatrisation, scirrhosis, atrophy and necrobiosis; hyperplasia; repair processes; tumour formation; pigmentary changes; compensatory balance of valve growth; testaceous distortion of valves; age progressive phenomena. Attention is drawn to the lack of study on the effects of diseases in Pelecypoda, and to the implications which these effects may have for conchologicaJ taxonomy.