Morphological and Mechanical Characterization of the Limpet Shells from the Korean Intertidal Coast

This study was conducted to elucidate how shell form contributes to functional adaptation and mechanical optimization in seven limpet species inhabiting intertidal zones along the Korean coast. Ten morphological and weight-related parameters were measured, revealing clear interspecific differences in shell form and mass-related traits. Multivariate shape analysis indicated that shell morphology varied primarily with overall size, with additional variation associated with apex position and height-to-length proportions. Compressive strength tests showed that shell thickness (ST), shell height (SH), and elliptical area (EA) were key determinants of mechanical resistance, with dome-shaped species exhibiting greater load-bearing capacity than flatter forms. Integrating geometric and mechanical data indicated that shell robustness arises from coordinated structural proportions rather than any single dimension. Overall, the results provide an integrated understanding of how morphological design and mechanical performance together shape the ecological and evolutionary strategies of limpets in dynamic intertidal environments.