Record Details

The morphology of the reproductive tracts of the Pacific Northwest pulmonates

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

Field Value
Title The morphology of the reproductive tracts of the Pacific Northwest pulmonates
Names Porter, Clarence Alan (creator)
Pratt, Ivan (advisor)
Date Issued 1964-05-15 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 1964
Abstract The morphology and taxonomic use of the reproductive
tracts of some of the Pacific Northwest Pulmonates were
studied. The snails examined were, Monadenia fidelis
(Gray), Vespericola columbiana (Lea), Allogona townsendiana
(Lea), Haplotrema sportella (Gould), and Haplotrema
vancouverense (Lea).
The length of the reproductive tracts of nine or more
individuals of each species were measured in millimeters
and these measurements were used as a quantitative means
for identifying each species. Each snail not only varies
in the length of specific structures, but also was seen to
differ from others by the presence or absence and the
position of certain structures. Some of the structures
used to separate the species were: The muscular collar on
the vagina in Haplotrema sportella and Haplotrema
vancouverense, along with the size and shape of the talon;
the presence or absence of a stimulator, verge, flagellum
and epiphallus in Allogona townsendiana and Vespericola
columbiana; and the presence of a dart, mucus gland, and
mucus ejector in Monadenia fidelis.
The use of reproductive tract data in taxonomy appears
to provide a more accurate means of identifying species.
It does not have the problems that are prevalent in shell
characters, nor does it require the skill necessary in
preparing and reading radula mounts. Combined with the
other taxonomic characters it probably provides a better
phylogenetic diagnosis of the various species.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic Pulmonata
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48778

© Western Waters Digital Library - GWLA member projects - Designed by the J. Willard Marriott Library - Hosted by Oregon State University Libraries and Press