Shells Collection (#54)

Eggs in their shells. Eggs are a good dietary source of protein, but also contain high levels of cholesterol

Sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa) in their shells. Sweet chestnuts are a good source of starch and minerals, however their high tannic acid means they should not be eaten raw

Crabs (order Decapoda). This crustacean is highly prized as a seafood delicacy. Its meat is found inside its hard exoskeleton, and is a good source of protein and several minerals

Light echoes around star V838 Monocerotis, Hubble Space Telescope image. This star underwent a massive brightening, or nova, in 2002

Planetary nebula, artwork
Planetary nebula, computer artwork. Planetary nebulae are shells of glowing gases from a dying star, expanding outwards from the central star

Mollusc fossil shells from the 500 million-year- old Burgess Shale rock. These shells are Scenella sp. marine molluscs, which are now extinct

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). The mussels shells are open showing the siphons through which they draw water. Mussels filter plankton and other microscopic sea creatures out of the water as food

Dead blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). Photographed in the White Sea, Russia

Quail eggs

Eggs. Two large white eggs in a straw nest. These eggs (ova) may have come from various species of poultry, such as chicken, geese and ducks

Barnacles, 18th century
Barnacles. 18th-century journal page illustrating several rare species of barnacles. A full list of the barnacles is at bottom

Limpet anatomy, 18th century

Ammonites in a Jurassic sea. Artwork of Asteroceras ammonites swimming amongst crinoids (feathery stalked organisms) and corals at the time of the Jurassic period (200 to 145 million years ago)

Garden bird catching snails, artwork

1841 British Museum Zoological Gallery c
Fine steel engraving with later hand colouring by l. Lewitt and Radclyffe of the " British Museum - Zoological Gallery" in " London Interiors" published by Joseph Mead of London

Coastal shell fragments. Shells are grown by many marine invertebrates for protection. These are the shells of marine molluscs, and are formed from nacre

Earth layers, artwork
Earth layers. Cutaway computer artwork showing the layers that make up the structure of the Earth and the movement (arrows) of molten lava within them

Crab nebula (M1). Composite x-ray, infrared and optical image of the Crab nebula, the remnant of a supernova. In the centre of the nebula is the remains of the stars core

Seashells on the seashore. Photographed in Israel

Cabbage white butterfly eggs, SEM
Cabbage white butterfly eggs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of eggs of the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae)

Snails in a crack in tree trunk
Snails (class Gastropoda) in a tree trunk hollow. Snails are gastropods, a type of mollusc with a one-piece coiled shell and flattened muscular foot with a head bearing tentacles (not seen)

1731 Johann Scheuchzer Creation 5th day
1731 Physica Sacra (Sacred Physics) by Johann Scheuchzer (1672-1733) the fifth day of creation (shellfish swarming in the sea)

Pond snail egg mass, light micrograph
Pond snail egg mass. Light micrograph showing a number of great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) eggs (yellow blobs), surrounded by a jelly mass (horizontal)

Brown-lipped snail colour variants. Collection of brown-lipped snail (Cepaea nemoralis) shells showing the different colour variations

Pond snail egg masses, light micrograph
Pond snail egg masses. Light micrograph of the underside of a white water lily (Nymphaea alba) leaf (green), showing a number of great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) egg cases (sausage-shaped)

Turbot on the seabed
Turbot (Psetta maxima) on the seabed. The Turbot is a large left-eyed flatfish. It is found primarily close to the shore in sandy shallow waters throughout the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea

Marine protozoa shells, SEM
Marine protozoa shells, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The shells (tests) seen here include those of foraminifera, as well as coral spicules, radiolarian tests and cocccoliths

Turbot concealed in sand. European turbot (Psetta maxima, speckled, centre) part hidden on the sea floor in shallow water. The Turbot is a large left-eyed flatfish

High tide line. Wave washing over debris at the high tide line, or strandline, on a beach

5s electron orbital, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

5f electron orbitals, general set, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

4f electron orbitals, general set, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

5g electron orbitals, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

2s electron orbital, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

4f electron orbitals, cubic set, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

4p electron orbitals
2p electron orbitals, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

English oak acorns (Quercus robur). Photographed in Dorset, UK, in August

4s electron orbital, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

5p electron orbitals
3p electron orbitals, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

3s electron orbital
1s electron orbital, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

5f electron orbitals, cubic set, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

5d electron orbitals, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

4d electron orbitals, computer model. An electron orbital is a region around an atomic nucleus (not seen) in which one or a pair of electrons is most likely to exist

Paua (Haliotis iris) interior layer of shell, close-up of iridescent nacre or mother of pearl

Chambered Nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) cross section of shell showing chambers

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) juvenile, with clam in beak, close-up of head, Florida, U. S. A
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) juvenile, with clam in beak, close-up of head, Florida, U.S.A

Bull Head Fish
SG-2919 Bullhead Fish - in shell Cottus gobio Ardea London Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Common Whelk Shell - with worm tubes on shell
ROG-6412 Common WHELK Shell - with worm tubes on shell Buccinum undatum Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Shells: A Journey Through Time and Art" Step into the world of shells, where history, imagination, and nature intertwine. From the haunting memories of war to ancient Dorset's vibrant past, these captivating they have stories to tell. In "Attack of the Ulster Division, " a powerful image captured by James Prinsep Beadle in 1930, we witness the devastating impact during World War One. The deafening explosions echo through time, reminding us of the sacrifices made on that fateful day - 1 July 1916. Travel even further back with "Duria antiquior (Ancient Dorset), " an imaginative reconstruction that brings prehistoric life to light. These fossil ammonites like Desmoceras spp. , discovered in Madagascar's Albian Stage during Upper Early Cretaceous period, reveal a mesmerizing glimpse into Earth's ancient secrets when these molluscs thrived. But not all they can remnants from distant eras; some exist today as delicate treasures. In a stunning print capturing Molluscs/Snails' intricate beauty, we marvel at their elegant forms and patterns that nature has bestowed upon them. During times of conflict and uncertainty such as World War One, recruitment posters like "At the Front" played a crucial role in rallying soldiers for duty. Shells symbolize both protection and danger here - shields against harm but also instruments causing destruction. On Suffolk's Aldeburgh beach stands Maggie Hambling's magnificent sculpture titled "The Scallop. " This shell-shaped artwork invites contemplation about our connection with nature while paying homage to Benjamin Britten – one of Britain’s greatest composers who found inspiration along this very shoreline. Delve deeper into the realm with an oyster shell adorned with an artificial pearl – a testament to human creativity merging with natural wonders. It reminds us how something seemingly ordinary can be transformed into extraordinary beauty through artistry.