Helmcurler
Taxonomy
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Ancestors and Descendants
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Creator: ZoologicalBotanist
Habitat: North Datura Temperate Beach, North Datura Temperate Coast
Size: 4 Centimeters
Diet: Detritivore and Filter Feeder
Reproduction: Sexual, Eggs laid near the roots of Tideweeds
The helmcurler's shell evolved from a single piece to multiple plates. This change has given it the ability to curl into a sphere, further protecting it from predators, as well as allowing the waves to quickly move it onto the beach or out to sea. It also developed a stiffer proboscis for digging and the ability to store a small amount of water in its body, allowing it to search for food in the damp sand on the beach. It has moved into much shallower water (usually water 1 1/2 inches deep) because its predators were unable to follow it. The eggs are buried in shallow pits near the roots of tideweeds, ensuring that they are well protected from waves and any predators hunting in the shallows.