Malacology

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File:Squid komodo.jpg
A bigfin reef squid displaying considerably developed ocular, locomotive, and bioluminescent organs, all particularly of interest to the malacological study of its class Cephalopoda

Malacology,Template:Efn from Ancient Greek μαλακός (malakós), meaning 'soft', and λόγος (lógos), meaning 'study', is the branch of invertebrate zoology that deals with the study of the Mollusca (molluscs or mollusks), the second-largest phylum of animals in terms of described species<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> after the arthropods. Mollusks include snails and slugs, clams, and cephalopods, along with numerous other kinds, many of which have shells.

Fields within malacological research include studies of mollusk taxonomy, ecology and evolution. Several subdivisions of malacology exist, including conchology, devoted to the study of mollusk shells, and teuthology, the study of cephalopods such as octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. Applied malacology studies medical, veterinary, and agricultural applications, for example the study of mollusks as vectors of schistosomiasis and other diseases.

Archaeology employs malacology to understand the evolution of the climate, the biota of the area, and the usage of the site.Template:Citation needed

Zoological methods are used in malacological research. Malacological field methods and laboratory methods (such as collecting, documenting and archiving, and molecular techniques) were summarized by Sturm et al. (2006).<ref name="Dillon R. T.">Template:Cite book</ref>

History

Malacology evolved from the earlier discipline of conchology, which focused solely on the collection and classification of shells. The transformation into a comprehensive field of biological study occurred over several key historical milestones.

Early period pre-1795

Before the late 18th century, the study of mollusks was limited to conchology, emphasizing the aesthetic and taxonomic value of shells. During this time, the term "mollusks" referred only to shell-less species such as cephalopods and slugs. Organisms with shells were classified under "Testacea", reflecting a limited understanding of their broader biological characteristics.<ref name="Vinarski2014">Template:Cite journal</ref>

The contributions of Cuvier

In 1795, French naturalist Georges Cuvier introduced a new classification system for invertebrates based on anatomical observations. He proposed that mollusks represented a distinct group of organisms unified by common morphological traits. This approach laid the groundwork for the transition from conchology to malacology, as it highlighted the importance of internal anatomy over external shell features.<ref name="Vinarski2014"/>

Early 19th century

Following Cuvier’s work, the early 19th century saw an expansion of the field’s focus. Scientists began studying not only the external shells of mollusks but also their internal anatomy, physiological functions, and ecological roles. This marked a shift toward viewing mollusks as complete organisms, rather than merely as shell producers. The term "malacology" was officially introduced in 1825 by French zoologist and anatomist Henri-Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. Derived from the Greek word "malakos" (meaning "soft"), it reflected a broader interest in the biological and ecological characteristics of mollusks, including their soft body structures. This moment is considered the formal establishment of malacology as a distinct scientific discipline.<ref name="Vinarski2014"/>

Late 19th century and beyond

By the late 19th century, malacology had expanded further to encompass evolutionary biology, taxonomy, and ecology. Researchers investigated the relationships between mollusks and other invertebrates, as well as their roles in various ecosystems. The discipline continued to integrate new methodologies and technologies, solidifying its place within zoology.<ref name="Vinarski2014"/>

Malacologists

Template:Main Those who study malacology are known as malacologists. Those who study primarily or exclusively the shells of mollusks are known as conchologists, while those who study mollusks of the class Cephalopoda are teuthologists.

Societies

Journals

More than 150 journals within the field of malacology are being published from more than 30 countries, producing an overwhelming amount of scientific articles.<ref>Bieler & Kabat, Malacological Journals and Newsletters, 1773–1990; The Nautilus 105(2):39–61, 1991 Template:Webarchive</ref> They include:

Museums

File:Malakološki muzej Makarska.jpg
Malacological Museum in Makarska, Croatia (entrance)

Museums that have either exceptional malacological research collections (behind the scenes) and/or exceptional public exhibits of mollusks:

See also

Notes

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References

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Further reading

  • Cox L. R. & Peake J. F. (eds.). Proceedings of the First European Malacological Congress. September 17–21, 1962. Text in English with black-and-white photographic reproductions, also maps and diagrams. Published by the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and the Malacological Society of London in 1965 with no ISBN.
  • Heppel D. (1995). "The long dawn of Malacology: a brief history of malacology from prehistory to the year 1800." Archives of Natural History 22(3): 301–319.

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