why the patterns on clams/

[moliken]

not what the iridophores [sp?] do, but why do tridacnas actually have patterns, evolutionarily? it doesn't attract mates, camouflage, warn against predators. there must be a reason, yes? have to do with the sun?? i'm stumped and so is everyone i ask.

 

[moliken]

20 views, no answers! that tough a question?

 

[DSR]

It really has to do with teh iridaphores. They are plates and will reallign depending on the amount of light that is available. That is the best answer I have been able to locate.

 

[moliken]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15396168#post15396168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DSR
It really has to do with teh iridaphores. They are plates and will reallign depending on the amount of light that is available. That is the best answer I have been able to locate.

yeah, that much i already found out. a lion's mane is larger to attract mates/scare off rivals, a chameleon changes color for protection; octopi do it for the same and for feeding. these all make evolutionary sense. nothing makes sense in tridacs; they might as well be a pale brown that captures light. oh well....

 

[DSR]

the iridaphores are actually bouncing the light. They are crystals. The color is simply an accident of refraction depending on the amount of energy is needed by the clam. Not as cool an explanation as the lion's mane, but I think it is accurate.

 

[moliken]

he iridaphores are actually bouncing the light. They are crystals. The color is simply an accident of refraction depending on the amount of energy is needed by the clam.
This i can understand, but the actual patterns are close to each other within types. if the i'phores are crystals bounce light, wouldn't it be more random patterns????

 

[mscarpena]

I don't think anyone really knows for sure. I have read a book by a German scientist on clams and they do not have an answer. They are the only photosynthetic clams and it could be to blend in the the light waves that are shining on the bottom of the ocean.

 

[DSR]

Mccarpena, I know the answer.... but I can't tell anyone. I've been sworn to silence.