Abstract
THE function of the calcified outer eggshell found in many gastropod eggs which are deposited on land has been the subject of considerable speculation. Various theories of its relationship to desiccation mechanical support protection against predators physiological buffering and possible calcium source have been discussed1–4. This report presents the first quantitative analysis proving that a gastropod embryo uses the egg shell calcium in forming its embryonic shell the protoconch.
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TOMPA, A. Embryonic use of egg shell calcium in a gastropod. Nature 255, 232–233 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255232a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/255232a0
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