On The Biology Of Glossus Humanus (L.) (Isocardia Cor Lam.)

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Abstract
Glossus humanus (L.) (Isocardia cor Lam.), a large marine eulamellibranch, occurs in deep water in soft muddy substrates. Restriction of the species to a soft substrate is probably correlated with the inflated form of the shell, the weak musculature of the foot, and the poor elastic properties of the ligament.Growth of the mantle/shell is the resultant of radial, transverse and tangential components, the normal axis being a turbinate spiral. The anterior region of the ligament is progressively split during growth owing to the displacement posteriorly of the secreting surfaces. The relationships of the valves, ligament and mantle isthmus are discussed.The deeply plicated ctenidia are specialized for dealing with large volumes of water containing little suspended material.The anatomy and functioning of the stomach is described in detail. There is a complex ciliated mechanism selecting particles on the basis of size. Such a mechanism, it is suggested, must be associated with intracellular digestion. The flap-like major typhlosole prevents material carried by the intestinal groove from returning to the circulation within the stomach, while the retention of an isolated opening for the left pouch is probably correlated with the need for firm fixation of the gastric shield.Spawning occurs at the end of September.

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