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Bolder snails grow stronger shells

Predator-resistant bodies may be genetically programmed, study suggests

Radix balthica snail

TOUGH STUFF  Radix balthica snails can behave boldly or shyly when spooked. An individual snail's behavior appears to be linked with the strength of its shell.

Dr. Roy Anderson (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

By Ashley Yeager

- More than 2 years ago

Bold snails are built to be tough.

A close look at bold snails’ shells reveals that they are rounder, thicker and more bite-resistant than shy snails’ shells.