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This week’s new questions

How do sea molluscs create the consistent patterns of their shells? What is the advantage to walnuts and pecans of their convoluted kernel shapes?

Close-up of a Cymbiola nobilis shell, also known as the noble volute, against a black background, featuring its distinctive zigzag patterns and smooth texture; Shutterstock ID 2637416271; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other:

How do sea molluscs create the consistent patterns on their shells? How do they know when and how to change the pigment?

Andrew Hawkins,
Peaslake, Surrey, UK

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pecan nut; Shutterstock ID 356646077; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other:

Most nuts have simple kernel shapes. What is the advantage to walnuts and pecans of their convoluted form?

Roger Miles,
St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK

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