Differences in Snail Utensils: Drilling into Intraspecific Variation in Rocky Shore Snail Predatory Ability
Boutilier, Samantha
Boutilier, Samantha
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Abstract
Phenotypic variation is prevalent in many biological systems and is structured by variation in abiotic and biotic selective forces. Spatial variation in the strength and direction of predatory-prey species interactions can result in intraspecific variation. Therefore, patterns of intraspecific phenotypic variation can be used to decode predator-prey selective forces. A comprehensive understanding of patterns of biotically driven adaptative variation can foreshadow future shifts in ecological dynamics. The channeled dogwhelk, Nucella canaliculata, is a species of predatory snail that feeds on barnacle and mussel prey on rocky shores along the west coast of North America, using a chemo-mechanical mode of feeding to drill a small hole through the shell of their prey. These snails exhibit a pattern of local adaptation in drilling ability, where they have evolved to be optimally suited to their specific environment. However, rather than a smooth gradient, this pattern is a mosaic with hotspots of dogwhelks with strong drilling ability. Thus, parallel adaptation may be at play, in that these geographically separated populations may have evolved strong drillers through different strategies. To determine whether Nucella canaliculata exhibits intraspecific variation in drill hole area consistent with variation in drill hole depth, we quantified the drill hole size of 48 individual snails from two populations that display particularly high levels of drill hole depth (Van Dam and Soberanes), and one population (Bodega Marine Reserve) that displays high levels of intrapopulation variation in drill hole depth. We found that drill hole area varies by population, with the Soberanes population standing out as having the largest drill hole area. While both Van Dam and Sorberanes were effective drillers, they appear to have evolved this trait through independent mechanisms. Our results give insight into how snails become effective predators, with implications for the health and balance of rocky shore ecosystems.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Biological Science
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Life Science