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Inner Chambers of Nautilus Pompilius Shell
(Image 2)

Caption:

An interior view showing the rigid open chambers within a Nautilus pompilius shell. Although the animal lives in the outmost chamber, a narrow strand of it's soft body penetrates the chamber walls each by a small hole. Nautilus uses the chambers for a type of locomotion. The chambers are filled with both water and gas. When the nautilus absorbs gas from the chamber, the chamber pressure decreases and water enters from outside. The shell becoming heavier makes the nautilus sink. When the nautilus presses gas into the chamber, water is pressed out, which makes the shell lighter and the nautilus rises, like a submarine blowing the tanks. Unfortunately, because of the beauty of their shell, many Nautilus are killed each year for collection and export.

[Image 2 of 2 related images; see also, Shell of Cephalopod Species Nautilus pompilius.]

Inner Chambers of <I>Nautilus Pompilius</I> Shell<BR>(Image 2)
(Preview Only)

Credit: Credit K.S. Matz
Year of Image: 2003

Categories:

BIOLOGICAL / Biotechnology

Formats Available:

TIFF Format - 27.8M - 2628 x 3700 pixel image - 72 DPI

Sorry! This image is not available in a higher resolution.

Restrictions:

Permission is granted to use this image in a personal, educational, or non-profit/non-commercial manner. All other uses of this image are prohibited, as stated by the owner.

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Last Modified: Mar 29, 2001