Taking that beautiful snail shell could increase the cost of housing for a hermit crab or small shrimp that needs it next. The beautiful conch shell that calls to you is actually an octopus caravan.
Articles on sea shells
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Although animals can’t use human language, art is beyond words. As Edward Hopper wrote, ‘If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.’
Collecting shells was a common past time in Enlightenment Britain, when elite women were becoming increasingly interested in science.
Molluscs that have shells - like pipis, clams and oysters - have to build their own shell from scratch. And they keep building it their whole life, using chemicals from the sea and their own bodies.
The four ingredients for holy incense are listed in the Old Testament, but there was much debate over the origin of one of them – onycha. Scientists think they’ve now confirmed the source.
Top contributors
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Professor, National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University
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Research Fellow at the ARC of Excellence for Coral Reefs Studies, James Cook University
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Lecturer in History of Art and Liberal Arts, University of Bristol
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Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematical Sciences, Adelaide University
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Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Adelaide University
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Project Officer at the Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, Indigenous Knowledge
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Associate professor; Flora, Fauna & Freshwater Research Cluster Lead, CQUniversity Australia