| Oops, details, details, sorry it's operculum(plural: operculi) or osmena. A piece of specially secreted shell that is domed and blocks the entranceway to a gastropod's soft body tissue when that tissue is retracted. Pretty much like a trap door---keeps moisture in while keeping predators out. It must also have some other brilliant technological use for a gastropod that we humans are yet stupid about.
Slraep
Last edited by Slraep; 02-07-2008 at 08:43 PM.
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