Form and function of radular teeth of herbivorous molluscs: Focus on the future

The radular apparatus of herbivorous molluscs provides an excellent model for study of form, function, and integration of morphology and function. To date, however, few studies have been conducted in a way that allows us to understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of different morphologies, and how morphologies differ or are similar in both form and function. I suggest thee areas of focus for future research: (1) Explicit quantification of morphology. (2) Real rather than asserted assessments of function. (3) An integration of structure and function. Taking advantage of new technologies and integrating them with more traditional approaches, experimentation, and quantification of both form and function will prove this to be a rich area for research in the future.