Abstract
An account is given of the comparative morphology of the family Littorinidae, based on examination of 122 species, grouped into 32 subgenera. The shell, operculum and principal organ systems are described, and their phylogenetic significance assessed. A total of 53 characters, coded as 131 character states, were chosen for inclusion in a cladistic analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of the subgenera. This was performed by the program paup, using the principle of maximum parsimony. The outgroup for the analysis comprised representatives of the Pomatiasidae and Skeneopsidae. A consensus tree was obtained from cladograms with consistency indices of 0.408 (autapomorphies excluded).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
