Local adaptation in the sea was regarded historically as a rare phenomenon that was limited
to a handful of species with exceptionally low dispersal potential. However, a growing body …

Most molluscs possess shells, constructed from a vast array of microstructures and
architectures. The fully formed shell is composed of calcite or aragonite. These CaCO3 …

The most common classification of modes of speciation begins with the spatial context in
which divergence occurs: sympatric, parapatric or allopatric. This classification is …

Chromosomal inversions have long been recognized for their role in local adaptation. By
suppressing recombination in heterozygous individuals, they can maintain coadapted gene …

Parallel evolution of similar phenotypes provides strong evidence for the operation of natural
selection. Where these phenotypes contribute to reproductive isolation, they further support …

Speciation requires the acquisition of reproductive isolation, and the circumstances under
which this could evolve are of great interest. Are new species formed after the acquisition of …

Distinct ecotypes of the snail Littorina saxatilis, each linked to a specific shore microhabitat,
form a mosaic-like pattern with narrow hybrid zones in between, over which gene flow is 10 …

Chromosomal inversions have been shown to play a major role in a local adaptation by
suppressing recombination between alternative arrangements and maintaining beneficial …

Organisms of marine rocky shores are exposed to physical stress from abiotic factors, such
as temperature, salinity and wave action. These factors vary over compressed temporal and …

We present a detailed review of 269 published studies using Littorina species in the field of
evolutionary ecology during the last 18 years. We first identify the reasons for the special …