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The story hidden in the snail shell: What is the evolution of Helix?
In the Western Paraque region, there lives a giant land snail called Helix. This snail, with its characteristically globular shell, is a representative of its family Helicidae and one of the species described by Carl Linnaeus in the early days of zoological nomenclature. These snails have a long history, with their evolutionary history dating back to the Miocene.
Helix is an important indicator species for studying fertilizer and soil ecology. Its sensitivity to environmental changes makes it a focus of green ecological research.
Taxonomy
The name Helix was first used to describe a variety of terrestrial and aquatic mollusks in the tenth edition of Linnaeus's Systema Naturae. Over time, later scholars narrowed the use of the helix to specific categories, including those that were flat or spherical in shape.
Since the 19th century, the number of Helix species described worldwide has reached several thousand, but by the beginning of the 20th century, the genus was divided into several separate genera, with only the closely related Helix pomatia being included. The species remains in the genus Helix.
External Features
Helix snails are known for their large shells, which can range from 2 to 6 centimeters in diameter. The shell is usually spherical or conical, with five darker stripes that can become relatively reduced or fused. In addition, Helix's torso has a variety of colors, which can be gray, brown, black or pink, which helps it adapt to survival in a changing environment.
In-depth studies of Helix's reproductive system and its functional characteristics reveal a close connection between the snail's reproduction and ecology.
Distribution Range
Helix is mainly distributed in the western Parak region, with the richest species diversity in the Balkan Peninsula and Anatolia, and Greece is the center of this diversity.
Ecology and Behavior
Different Helix species survive in a variety of habitats and climates. Some species live exclusively in open limestone habitats, while others are adapted to acidic bedrock or live primarily in forests. Helix pomatia, with its nocturnal nature, feeds on different plants, with a particular preference for nettles.
During the process of dispersal and reunion, Helix snails display distinct homing behaviors that are important for their survival.
Human Use
Species such as Helix pomatia and Helix lucorum have been used as food by humans since ancient times, a habit that dates back thousands of years to civilization. The ancient Romans were particularly keen on collecting snails, not only because of their delicious meat, but also because snails can survive in food storage environments.
Conservation status
While most Helix species are still classified as Least Concern, some, such as Helix ceratina, are assessed to be Critically Endangered. Overfishing of Helix pomatia has necessitated legal protection in several countries.
Conclusion
The evolutionary story of these snails is not just a dimension of nature; it reflects the wisdom and tenacity of organisms in adapting and surviving in a changing environment. How will the future Helix species face new challenges and opportunities?
