Fields within malacological research include studies of mollusktaxonomy,ecology andevolution. Several subdivisions of malacology exist, includingconchology, devoted to the study of mollusk shells, andteuthology, the study ofcephalopods such asoctopus,squid, andcuttlefish.Applied malacology studies medical, veterinary, and agricultural applications, for example the study of mollusks as vectors ofschistosomiasis and other diseases.
Archaeology employs malacology to understand the evolution of theclimate, the biota of the area, and the usage of the site.[citation needed]
Zoological methods are used in malacological research. Malacological field methods and laboratory methods (such as collecting, documenting and archiving, and molecular techniques) were summarized by Sturm et al. (2006).[2]
Malacology evolved from the earlier discipline ofconchology, which focused solely on the collection and classification of shells. The transformation into a comprehensive field of biological study occurred over several key historical milestones.
Before the late18th century, the study of mollusks was limited to conchology, emphasizing the aesthetic and taxonomic value ofshells. During this time, the term "mollusks" referred only to shell-less species such ascephalopods andslugs. Organisms with shells were classified under "Testacea", reflecting a limited understanding of their broader biological characteristics.[3]
In 1795, French naturalistGeorges Cuvier introduced a new classification system forinvertebrates based onanatomical observations. He proposed that mollusks represented a distinct group oforganisms unified by commonmorphological traits. This approach laid the groundwork for the transition from conchology to malacology, as it highlighted the importance of internal anatomy over external shell features.[3]
Following Cuvier’s work, the early19th century saw an expansion of the field’s focus. Scientists began studying not only the external shells of mollusks but also their internal anatomy, physiological functions, and ecological roles. This marked a shift toward viewing mollusks as complete organisms, rather than merely as shell producers. The term "malacology" was officially introduced in 1825 by Frenchzoologist andanatomistHenri-Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. Derived from theGreek word "malakos" (meaning "soft"), it reflected a broader interest in the biological and ecological characteristics of mollusks, including their soft body structures. This moment is considered the formal establishment of malacology as a distinct scientific discipline.[3]
By the late 19th century, malacology had expanded further to encompassevolutionary biology,taxonomy, andecology. Researchers investigated the relationships between mollusks and other invertebrates, as well as their roles in various ecosystems. The discipline continued to integrate new methodologies and technologies, solidifying its place withinzoology.[3]
Those who study malacology are known as malacologists. Those who study primarily or exclusively theshells of mollusks are known asconchologists, while those who study mollusks of the classCephalopoda areteuthologists.
More than 150 journals within the field of malacology are being published from more than 30 countries, producing an overwhelming amount of scientific articles.[7] They include:
^From the Frenchmalacologie, contraction ofmalacozoologie; from theNeo-LatinMalacozoa, 'zoological group including soft-bodied animals'; from Ancient Greekμαλακός (malakós)'soft' and ζῷον (zôion)'animal'.
^Charles F. Sturm; Timothy A. Pearce; Ángel Valdés (July 2006).The mollusks. Universal-Publishers.ISBN978-1-58112-930-4.Archived from the original on 2022-10-22. Retrieved2022-08-22.
Cox L. R. & Peake J. F. (eds.).Proceedings of the First European Malacological Congress. September 17–21, 1962. Text in English with black-and-white photographic reproductions, also maps and diagrams. Published by the Conchological Society ofGreat Britain andIreland and the Malacological Society ofLondon in 1965 with no ISBN.
Heppel D. (1995). "The long dawn of Malacology: a brief history of malacology from prehistory to the year 1800."Archives of Natural History22(3): 301–319.
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