
Mother-of-pearl
There is
much to be learned from
the simplicity of the abalone,
an edible mollusc, housed in
an ear-shaped, mother-of-pearl
shell
in which there are
up to nine respiratory pores.
Its muscular foot has strong
suction power permitting it
to clamp
tightly to rocky surfaces.
The abalone lives and breathes
sex since its eggs and sperm
are broadcast into the water
through
its pores, along with its respiratory
current. Crabs, lobsters, gastropods,
octopuses, sea stars, and sundry fish all
prey on juvenile abalones.
22 November 2004
John Lyons