The aim of this research was to identify some characters of mangrove gastropod's shell, which varied
atnong species and modified from its basic structure. Some characters are often lost or added make some
dfficulties for the student to identify the characters. Those characters are also confusing and lead to miss-
identification respectively. From that case, studying the vaiation of the shell characters among species and its
modificationfrom the original structure of gastropod's shell is needed. A model antl clescriptioi iTtne shell and
its characters is useful guide for identification and also as an alternative teaching matiriat for studying the
gastropod.
Mangrove gastropod's specimens
from previous research (Xqry@19_9LSl, 2003) are the mateials
studied on; represent the numerous variation and modification of gastropod's shell. The basic structures are
itlenlified according to Robert et al (1952), Pechenik (tggt) and Beeslqv et al (tggS). Variation and
modification whether reduction or ac{ditionfrom its original were then mentioned antl schemed.
The shells of the 9 families of gastropod show some specific features, which respective to the shell
structure offanily, thas the identification to thefamily can be carried out by using the shelt;haracters offamity.
Some characters that legd to the genera and species are more various and sophishcate. Axial ridges, triisversal
ridges, eroded apex, elongated siphonal canal, spine, thickened aperture, ih" pr"r"n"" of the-apterture teeth,
thickening operculwm witk calcareous material and coloratio, ore io*" variant that obtaiied. Those characters
reJlect modification and play some important notes while stuclying the shell.
Key words: Mangrove gastropotls, shell variation, alternative learning resource
