The evolution of a racing snail

Abstract

Modern cephalopods evolved from slow‐moving low metabolic rate shelled ancestors. Rapid efficient jet propulsion depends on a large ejectable mass, impossible while the mantle cavity was enclosed in a shell. The shell was progressively reduced, became internal and finally lost the capacity to provide buoyancy. The streamlined non‐buoyant squid were fast but costs of transport soared. Inevitably, there were changes to the fuel supply system ranging from increases in the gills’ diffusion capacity and the cardiac output through to modifications speeding up digestive processes. The loss of the external shell was associated with increased sophistication of the brain and sense organs. The great cost of rapid jet propulsion is associated with semelparous reproductive strategies following very rapid growth. Many squid have developed fins as an alternative and more economical, if slower, locomotor system. Some have redeveloped neutral buoyancy, notably by retaining ammonium chloride and reducing muscle mass, a return to life in the slow lane.