Modification of responses of newly hatched snails by exposure to odors during development

Abstract

Predatory marine snail larvae and embryos were exposed to prey odors (oyster, mussel and barnacle) during development. When juvenile snails hatched they were tested by bioassay to determine effects of this prior odor exposure. Juvenile snails were tested with oyster, mussel and barnacle odors and with partially purified barnacle odor of known attractiveness. Independent of prior odor exposure, only solutions containing barnacle odor were attractive. Snails exposed during development to prey odors not in themselves attractive were more responsive to barnacle odors than snails that developed in barnacle odors. Snails not exposed to prey odors during development were intermediate in their responsiveness. Field bioassays showed detectable attractant levels in an environment containing barnacles. Attractant activity was not detected in an environment where barnacles were absent. Responses of snails that developed in field odor conditions were similar to those of snails that developed in the presence of barnacles. Odor exposure during development is important in determining future responses of these predatory snails to prey odors.