Micro-CT protocols for scanning and 3D analysis of Hexaplex trunculus during its different life stages

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. The 3D model dataset can be also further processed through volume rendering and morphometric analysis. The success of micro-CT as a visualisation technique depends on several methodological manipulations, including the use of contrast enhancing staining agents, filters, scanning mediums, containers, exposure time and frame averaging. The aim of this study was to standardise a series of micro-CT scanning and 3D analysis protocols for a marine gastropod species, Hexaplex trunculus. The analytical protocols have followed all the developmental stages of this gastropod, from egg capsules and embryos to juveniles and adults.

MicroCT protocols for scanning of embryos and juvenile Hexaplex trunculus v1

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for embryos and juveniles of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

MicroCT protocols for scanning egg capsules of Hexaplex trunculus v1

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for the egg capsules of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

THE ABUNDANCE, DIVERSITY, AND THE DENSITY OF MOLLUSKS IN TUTUWOTO MANGROVE AREA OF ANGGREK DISTRICT, NORTH GORONTALO REGENCY, GORONTALO, INDONESIA

<pre>The aim of the current study is to calculate the value of the abundance, diversity, and the density of phyla mollusks in the Tutuwoto mangrove area of Anggrek District. The survey method is used in this study as a method, which means that it collects the data directly at the research area. The observations were carried out under mangrove stands. The area of the observation plot is 5m x 5m. Phylum mollusks collected at the study site were counted by the number of individuals, abundance, diversity, and density of the types of each species. Sanon-Wienner formula is used to calculate the species diversity, Brower formula is used to calculate the density, and Odum formula is used to calculate the abundance of the species. The findings show that it is found that the reasearch about phylum mollusks in Tutuwoto mangrove area consisted of 6 (six) types namely <em>Terebralia sulcata, Terebralia palustris, Nerita articulate, Hexaplex trunculus, Anadara granosa, and Mactra grandis</em>. Based on the calculation of the abundance, diversity, and density of the mollusks phylum at the research site, there are several types that have the highest value. In the gastropod class, <em>Nerita articulata</em> has the highest score with an abundance of 30.41%, diversity of 0.36, and density of 0.17 ind / m2, followed by <em>Terebralia sulcata</em> with an abundance of 28.07%, diversity 0.36, and density of 0.16 ind / m2. However, the lowest is owned by <em>Terebralia palustris</em> with an abundance value of 17.54%, diversity of 0.31, and density of 0.10 ind / m2. The values of abundance, diversity, and density in the bivalve class have different values. The type of <em>Anadara granosa</em> has an abundance value of 53.06%, diversity of 0.34, and density of 0.08 ind / m2 while <em>Mactra grandis</em> has an abundance value of 46.94%, diversity of 0.36, and density of 0.07 ind / m2. Based on the predetermined criteria of the Gastropod class, it has the abundance in many categories, exceptional of <em>Terebralia palustris</em> which has sufficient criteria.</pre>