The L.scobina live in the MTZ when the tide is out so they do not have deal with as harsh abiotic factors as the C.brunnea have to deal with in the HTZ. Also, our data indicated that very small numbers of L.scobina could be found seeking refuge in or near the LTZ when the tide was out. However, they are exposed to the air for approximately 8 hours each day (4 hours per tide cycle) when in the MTZ and hence they need to be able to endure this length of exposure. One important physiological adaptation of the L.scobina to help withstand desiccation from exposure is that they can produce a mucus layer around the opening (operculum) of their shell to seal it for a period of time. However, due to their siphon canal- a long tube used to find prey …show more content…
The L.scobina also stay in groups to prevent drying out as this will result in a small loss of water, forming an area of higher humidity around the group. This will then bring forth the outcome of an individual L.scobina losing their water at a slower rate. If each L.scobina stays separate from one another, their openings will be exposed, allowing water to be lost at a faster rate and they are trying to avoid this, thus they stay in groups when exposed. Larger (older) individuals have an increased chance at enduring desiccation, as it will take longer for water to evaporate from a larger individual than a smaller individual, since the older L.scobina can carry a larger amount of water in their shell. To further reduce chances of drying out and exposure to higher temperatures the L.scobina hunt for their prey during high tide, as this is far more convenient and they are able to easily move in the water to get to their prey without having to use too much energy. This is because if the L.scobina hunted during low-tide, they will have high chances of desiccating as they are using energy to move whilst being exposed to the sun, increasing the rate of water