leftcoiled

Leftcoiled is a term used in biology, particularly in the study of gastropods, to describe the coiling direction of a snail's shell. Most gastropods exhibit dextral coiling, meaning their shells spiral in a clockwise direction when viewed from the apex. In contrast, leftcoiled, or sinistral, gastropods have shells that spiral in a counter-clockwise direction. This trait is genetically determined and is a fundamental characteristic used in the classification of many snail species. While the majority of snail species are dextral, sinistral species do exist, and in some cases, both coiling directions can be found within the same species. The development of shell coiling is a complex process influenced by multiple genes. The prevalence of dextral coiling is thought to be an evolutionary advantage, though the exact reasons are still debated among scientists. Studying the genetics of leftcoiling and dextral coiling provides insights into developmental biology and evolutionary patterns in the animal kingdom.