The physical basis of mollusk shell chiral coiling by Chirat, R, Goriely, A, Moulton, DE

“…A comparative analysis suggests that the development of chiral shells in these mollusks is different and that, unlike snails, ammonites with asymmetric shells probably had a bilaterally symmetric body diagnostic of cephalopods. …”

Mechanical basis of morphogenesis and convergent evolution of spiny seashells. by Chirat, R, Moulton, D, Goriely, A

“…Convergent evolution is a phenomenon whereby similar traits evolved independently in not closely related species, and is often interpreted in functional terms. Spines in mollusk seashells are classically interpreted as having repeatedly evolved as a defense in response to shell-crushing predators. …”

How seashells take shape by Moulton, D, Goriely, A, Chirat, R

“…The article explores the precise development of the spines, ribs and spirals of mollusks. Topics include the independent transformation of the Byzantine features in most gastropods which is the largest group of mollusks, the basic rules on the development of the spirals found in the shells of the mollusks and the influence of environmental factors on the growth rate of the shells. …”

Mechanics unlocks the morphogenetic puzzle of interlocking bivalved shells by Moulton, D, Goriely, A, Chirat, R

“…Brachiopods and mollusks are 2 shell-bearing phyla that diverged from a common shell-less ancestor more than 540 million years ago. …”

The morpho-mechanical basis of ammonite form. by Moulton, D, Goriely, A, Chirat, R

“…Our approach, based on fundamental principles of growth and mechanics, gives a natural explanation for the morphogenesis and diversity of ribs, uncovers intrinsic laws linking ribbing and shell geometry, and provides new opportunities to interpret ammonites' and other mollusks' evolution.…”

Mechanical growth and morphogenesis of seashells. by Moulton, D, Goriely, A, Chirat, R

“…Many mathematical descriptions of the shapes of shells have been provided over the years, and the basic logarithmic coiling seen in mollusks can be simulated with few parameters. However, the developmental mechanisms underlying shell coiling are largely not understood and the ubiquitous presence of ornamentation such as ribs, tubercles, or spines presents yet another level of difficulty. …”

Mechanical growth and morphogenesis of seashells by Moulton, D, Goriely, A, Chirat, R

“…Many mathematical descriptions of the shapes of shells have been provided over the years, and the basic logarithmic coiling seen in mollusks can be simulated with few parameters. However, the developmental mechanisms underlying shell coiling are largely not understood and the ubiquitous presence of ornamentation such as ribs, tubercles, or spines presents yet another level of difficulty. …”