Clocks at a snail pace: biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods

Area of Science:

• Chronobiology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Biological rhythms, including daily and annual cycles, are essential for organismal survival and reproduction across diverse species.
• Most research on biological rhythms has utilized traditional laboratory model organisms.
• There is a growing need to study non-model species in natural environments to understand real-world clock/calendar mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods (land snails and slugs).
• To focus on the ecological and evolutionary significance of these rhythms in gastropods.
• To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods.
• Historical perspective on research in this area.
• Exploration of major terrestrial gastropod lineages and their rhythmic patterns.

Main Results:

• Terrestrial gastropods exhibit significant potential as models for studying biological rhythms in natural environments.
• Existing research, though limited, covers various aspects of gastropod biological rhythms across different lineages.
• Key areas for future research have been identified to deepen our understanding.

Conclusions:

• Terrestrial gastropods offer a valuable, underutilized system for advancing chronobiology, ecology, and evolutionary studies.
• Further research on gastropod biological rhythms can provide crucial insights into adaptation and survival in natural ecosystems.
• This review aims to stimulate new research and collaborations in the study of biological rhythms in these organisms.