Limpet Shell Profile - A Level coursework

[Frogman]

Hi,

Im doing my A level biology coursework and my title relates to how Limpet Shell Profile is affected by distance from the low water mark.

What I was wondering is if anyone could help me with info on;

Why/How does limpet shell shape change?

Do any birds prey on Limpets?

And what stats test should I use, if my method uses an interrupted belt transect with a quadrat every 5m. Im measuring the height and base width of the limpets. Maybe work out a limpet height : base ratio? I was thinking of correlation coefficient but im not sure....

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Frogman

[Frogman]

Thanks for the help guys.....

[Dr.Stein]

Limpet shell can change? I never knew that Maybe it is different species or subspecies?

[Frogman]

It's the same species, however I believe it now to be due to tidal action, with the limpets lower down the shore having a shallower shell profile to minimise surface area therefore reducing action from currents.

[Dr.Stein]

How can you so sure it is the same species? Do you think that the change of the shell is kind of an adaptation form?