Reproduction
The genus Vertigo is summarized to be monoecious,
meaning that the snail
has both the male and a female reproductive organs. The
Vertigo genus is known to have a well developed penis with
a shortened prostate, a smooth uterus, and a free oviduct
(Pilsbry,
1939-1948).
There are a number of different sexual systems and reproductive
strategies, behaviors and anatomy that land snails take part in
(Sterki, 2007). Vertigo is
hermaphroditic, meaning the organism has reproductive organs
normally associated with both male and female sexes. Many of
these land sails have the ability to self-fertilize but they can
also take part in reciprocal mating, in which each
hermaphroditic snail can act as both a female and a male and
exchange sperm
(Sterki, 2007). Vertigo
paradoxa is oviparous, a reproductive method in which the
organism lays eggs
(Sterki, 2007).
Different Vertigo species live in a
variety of different habitats. These habitats range from dry
grasslands to forests (Anderson,
2004). Because of this variety in habitats, this may
influence the time where the conditions are right for the land
snails to breed. This causes different species of land snails
with different habitats to have different breeding habits and
preferences (Anderson,
2004).
Multiple different species of land snails.
Vertigo paradoxa is represented by letter e.
Nutrition - Home - Lifestyle and Adaptations