A MALE GENITAL DEFECT IN THE DOG-WHELK, NUCELLA-LAPILLUS (NEOGASTROPODA), FAVORING SURVIVAL IN A TBT-POLLUTED AREA

Tributyltin (TBT) pollution has exterminated populations of the dog-wh elk Nucella lapillus along most of the north Kent coast (Thames Estuar y) but the species survives as a small enclave around the North Forela nd. Males in this enclave exhibit an unusual defect involving the non- development or partial development of the genital system: about 10% la ck penes, or have undersized penes, and their gonoducts (vas deferens and prostate) are incompletely developed; in some cases, spermatogenes is appears to be retarded. Laboratory-bred animals display the same ch aracters. This deficiency ('Dumpton Syndrome') is manifest also in the atypical development of male sex organs on the females ('imposex') in duced by exposure to tributyltin (TBT). The evidence points to Dumpton Syndrome being a genetic disorder which has lessened the sterilizing effect of imposex and thereby has permitted the survival of this isola ted enclave in an area of high TBT pollution.