How has behavior and development affected the evolution of the molluscan nervous system?

Professor, Zoology

Using comparative analysis of carnivorous and herbivorous species we are examining the sensory capabilities of land snails. In the process of such analysis we have discovered unique and complex behaviors among carnivorous land snails. Further analysis of these behaviors should yield insights as to the evolution of the gastropod nervous system, especially when combined with studies of the development of the nervous system in these organisms.

The historical relationship between developmental biology and evolutionary biology is the focal point of my historical and philosophical inquiries. The recent rise of interest in bringing these two branches of biology together is of particular interest.

Selected Publications

Atkinson, J.W. 1985. E.G. Conklin on evolution: The popular writings of an embryologist. Jour. Hist. Biol. 18:31-50.

Atkinson, J.W. 1985. Models and myths of science: Views of the elephant. Amer. Zool. 25(3):727-736.

Atkinson, J.W. and K.E.H. Atkinson. 1987. "Crystals" in the penis of land snails of the genus Anguispira: Energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis with the scanning electron microscope. Trans. Amer. Micr. Soc. 106(2):126-133.

Atkinson, J.W. 1992. Conceptual issues in the reunion of development and evolution. Synthese 91:93-110.

Atkinson, J.W. and M. Balaban. 1997. Size-related change in feeding preferences in the carnivorous land snail Haplotrema concavum (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora). Invert. Biol. 116(2):82-85.

Atkinson, J.W. 1998. Food manipulation and transport by a carnivorous land snail, Haplotrema concavum. Invert. Biol. 117(2):109-113.