Adaptations

Adaptations of the Banana Slug

          

          The ariolimax columbianus, more commonly known as the banana slug, is a species of slug that is most commonly found in the forests of the Pacific Northwest (Thomas, 2000). Throughout my visits to my field study site, I saw this species a number of times, mostly during the winter months when the climate was cooler, and the site contained more moisture. There are several adaptations that the banana slug possesses that allows it to live in the field study site. The banana slug's diet allows it to live in these forests, as well as the site. Banana slugs typically enjoy dead leaves, dead plants, fungi, animal droppings, but prefer mushroom over all other types of food (Janiskee, 2010). All of these sources of food are found at the site, making it an excellent place for the banana slug to live. The banana slug is able to consume these sources of food through using its radula. This radula is a set of many rows of teeth that allow the banana slug to grind up its food (Thomas, 2000). Using this radula, the banana slug is able to consume the food it needs, and this acts as an adaptation for the banana slug in its environment. The banana slug's color, which gives it its famous nickname, also acts as a very important adaptation. Being a slug, it is slow moving, and soft, making it very vulnerable to attack by other animals living in the area such as raccoons, foxes, crows, beetles, and other predators. However, upon seeing the bright yellow skin of the banana slug, many predators see the color as a warning, causing them to leave the slug alone. Additionally, the color allows the banana slug to blend in well with its environment, making it difficult to spot when hidden on the site floor (Janiskee, 2010). One other adaptation that the banana slug possess allows it to move along the forest floor, and help it find mates: the thick mucous and slime trail it leaves where ever it goes. This thick slime trail allows the banana slug to move freely along the forest floor, protecting it from many of the sharp sticks and leaves that it encounters during its travels. This mucous coats the slug's muscular foot, protecting it from injury. This mucous also helps to protect the banana slug from being eaten by predators. Upon attempting to consume a banana slug, a predator is immediately met with the foul taste of the mucous, which causes its mouth to numb. The slime trail also contains pheromones, attracting other snails for mating purposes (Janiskee, 2010). The banana slug possess many adaptations that allow it to live in its temperate environment. 

          The banana slug acts as a decomposer, and has a symbiotic relationship with its environment. In its normal habitat, the banana slug consumes decaying organic material, and different kinds of fungi. The banana slug helps breakdown organic material, thus making it a decomposer. However, it is this decomposer status that allows it to maintain a symbiotic relationship with its environment. One of the banana slug's characteristics, its mucous slime trail, acts as a nitrogen rich fertilizer (Janiskee, 2010). As the slug takes what it needs from the site, it leaves behind a fertilizer that allows vegetation to continue to grow. Additionally, the banana slug maintains a symbiotic relationship with the redwood tree. Redwood trees are not technically found directly on my site, but are located just beyond the boundary. The banana slug highly dislikes the taste of redwood tree bark and wood, eliminating it as a source of food from the slug's diet. However, the slug consumes the plants around the redwood trees that act as parasites for the trees. The slug is then able to benefit from the cool moisture that surrounds the redwood trees, which is indication of a symbiotic relationship (banaslug,1).