Trail-Following in Snails: A Behavior and Statistical Laboratory Exercise

 

Sandra Millen

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1989, Volume 10

Abstract

It is well documented that many snails follow the trails of other snails. A variety of simple experiments can be designed around trail following that teach experimental design, observation and data collection, and statistical analysis of results. The easily obtained, intertidal littorine snails can be used in areas with access to the ocean, while land snails or slugs can be substituted in inland areas. The statistical emphasis can be modified to make this exercise suitable to a variety of levels.

Keywords:  animal behavior, snail, intertidal littorine snails, land snails, laboratory experiments, trail following, statistical analysis

University of British Columbia (1988)