Abstract—Several studies have shown different interpretations about shell shape variation and sexual dimorphism on Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck. This study, however, was conducted to evaluate and determine the existence of sexual dimorphism and shape variation in the shells of golden apple snails using landmark-based analysis in its dorsal and ventral/apertural portion using geometric morphometric approach. Results have shown significant variations validated by relative warp analysis and Canonical Variation Analysis. Moreover, Discriminant Function Analysis and Cluster Analysis also showed significant shell shape variation between sexes proving the occurrence of sexual dimorphism within species of golden apple snails obtained from lakes.

Index Terms—Golden apple snails, Pomacea canaliculata, sexual dimorphism, shell shape variation.

The authors are with the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Tibanga, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines (e-mail: joulesmahilum@gmail.com, cgdemayo@gmail.com).

Cite: Jhun Joules M. Mahilum and Cesar G. Demayo, "Sexual Dimorphism on Shell Shape of Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck Thriving in Lakes Using the Geometric Morphometric Approach," International Journal of Bioscience, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 284-289, 2014.