Studying Easter Island's Molluscan Fauna

Abstract

The intent of this paper is to briefly enlighten readers of the RNJ to an area of research which is often overlooked. Malacology, or the study of mollusks, is not Easter Island's most notable subject, yet more advancements in this area have taken place during the last six years than ever before. At the same time, there seems to be a misconception regarding the island even among those in this field of study. I am often asked, 'Why do you study Easter Island mollusks? Hasn't that been done already?' The truth is, while the anthropological and archaeological mysteries of Easter Island have been studied for decades, we still know relatively little regarding the island's molluscan fauna.