Land and freshwater molluscs

The shells of land and freshwater molluscs are often preserved in archaeological deposits where pH is high. Many species have well‐known ecological tolerances, allowing assemblages of shells to be used as proxies for past environments, especially in deposits where pollen is not preserved. The dispersal of species may also function as a proxy for human migration and/or trade. Some species are also edible, or used in traditional medicine. Shells can be suitable for isotopic analysis, or for scientific dating.