The MAGNETO SNAIL! (and other marine gastropods)
The Brain Scoop
In 2015, a new species of deep-sea snail was described that blew our minds: the the scaly-foot gastropod (Crysomallon squamiferum), aka basically the Magneto Snail. Living in hydrothermal ecosystems is a tough life, so this snail had evolved with a shell literally made out of iron - some populations’ shells are even magnetic. Food sources are scarce down there but these snails don’t eat - they get all of their energy through a process of chemosynthesis, in which the bacteria living in their guts produce the nutrients required for sustained life.
The more I looked into the fascinating world of marine snails, I realized I knew virtually nothing about these invertebrates. They’ve dominated every part of the ocean, from the banks to the floor, inhabiting niches that allow them to diversify in incredible ways.
So, here’s a quick overview of some of the 4.5 million snails in the Field’s collection! Stay tuned to hear Jochen play a giant conch shell at the end. It’s worth it.