Covarying Shell Growth Parameters and the Regulation of Shell Shape in Marine Bivalves: A Case Study on Tellinoidea

Figure 1

Definition of two alternative sets of descriptors of the shell outline: (a) the three growth-based parameters: apical angle α (=BÂC); differential growth index 𝜌=𝑉/(1/2)(𝑉^′+𝑉^′′); dissymmetric growth index 𝛿=𝑉^′/𝑉^′′; (b) the three functionally relevant parameters: elongation 𝐸, dissymmetry 𝐷, and ventral convexity 𝐾.

(a)

(b)