Why snail's deserve our love and how do genetics affect their shells?

Why are snail shells coiled to the left or the right?

Why can't snails get as much as hype as dogs?

'You write about snails?'

The jaw-dropping reactions of most people tickle my inner child. Each time, I catch on to people's excitement and curiosity about my snail world. Unfortunately, yesterday, was not such a day. I met a lady who had dogs, geese, and parrots at her house. She was talking about her geese and how it is difficult to look after dogs. When I shared about my liking of snails, she fully ignored the subject.

How unfortunate is that?

I find snails to be as loyal as dogs, so they must get attention and love too.

Anyway, some people do seem to think of snail shells, which is not a bad start.

Since we are on the subject of shells, have you ever wondered about the genetics of a snail's shell?

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Why are snail shells coiled in a direction?

A snail's shell is coiled towards the right (dextrally) or the left (sinistrally).

Well, folks, the genetic makeup of a snail's egg cells (i.e., an egg of a snail's mother') determines the direction of coiling in a snail's shell. Also, a snail's egg cells divide asymmetrically. The direction and asymmetry of the cell division dictate the spiral direction of the snail's coiled shell. If the cell division happens dextrally, the snail shell is coiled dextrally, and if the cell division happens sinistrally, then the snail's shell is coiled sinistrally.

This is the reason why snails have spiral shells! Isn't it cool?

[P.S. - This information is based on the research conducted on a pond snail.]

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Why is it important to spend time with snails?

As I am writing, I have a Mr. Snail crawling near my thumb. It gives me the feeling of another life being in touch with me, while I am feeling strained by device usage. The touch of

Mr. Snail's body soothes my highly sensitive nervous system, and I feel somewhat better.

Indeed, snails cannot be dogs but that's exactly why they are perfect. Their softness and delicate nature can heal, teach, and soothe us.

So, my friend, what are you waiting for?

Please find your Mr. Snail and when you do, don't forget to feed it a leaf or flower on my behalf!

-Don't be a stranger,

Pranita

Science Communicator and Author

P.S. - I use the term Mr. Snail affectionately to describe the snail that I feed on particular days :).

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Reference: The Living World of Molluscs. www.molluscs.at. https://www.molluscs.at/index.html

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