malacologist

A malacologist is a scientist who studies mollusks, a diverse phylum that includes snails, slugs, clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, and cephalopods such as octopuses, squids, and nautiluses. Malacology is the field concerned with the biology, ecology, and evolution of these animals, as well as the systematics and fossil record of mollusks.

Malacologists examine anatomy, physiology, behavior, development, and life histories; taxonomy and classification; biogeography and ecology; and paleontology and biomineralization of shells. They may describe new species, revise existing classifications, and build reference collections in museums or universities.

Fieldwork often involves collecting live specimens and shells; laboratory work includes dissections, microscopy, histology, DNA sequencing, and imaging techniques such as CT scanning. They use morphological and molecular methods to study relationships among species and to understand evolution and adaptation.

Applications include biodiversity assessments, fisheries science, and conservation planning. Mollusks serve as bioindicators of environmental health, and malacologists contribute to management of shellfisheries, invasive species response, and the study of paleoenvironmental conditions from the fossil record.

Malacology has a long history within natural history. Professional societies such as the Malacological Society of London and the American Malacological Society support research, curation, and education. Careers for malacologists typically require training in zoology, marine biology, or invertebrate paleontology, with employment in universities, natural history museums, aquariums, or government agencies.