A molecular phylogeny of Geotrochus and Trochomorpha species (Gastropoda: Trochomorphidae) in Sabah, Malaysia reveals convergent evolution of shell morphology driven by environmental influences

There are currently eleven Geotrochus and four Trochomorpha species in Sabah. The primary diagnostic character that separates the two genera is the intensity of sculpture on the shell upper surface. All Trochomorpha species have a coarse nodular sculpture while Geotrochus species has a non-nodular sculpture or smooth shell. However, it is known that shell characters are often evolutionary labile with high plasticity in response to environmental factors. Hence, identifying the phylogenetic and ecological determinants for the shell characters will shed light on the shell-based taxonomy. This stu... Mehr ...