Del océano al verso. Las caracolas de Pablo Neruda

precise moment to plant their crops. A great amount of this species in the sea was a sign of a rising ocean temperature and that was a sign of coming rains. This is also the reason for the association of the Spondylus sp. with fertility 23 , connecting the rise of precipitations with bountiful harvests. This peculiarity is linked to the role of bivalves as bioindicators, that is, organisms that reflect characteristics and changes in their environment through their bodies. 24 Being filtering molluscs, the Spondylus sp. accumulate in their organisms elements from the environment, while at the same time they contribute to improve the quality of water by filtering suspended particles. 25 Also, by attaching themselves to rocky substrates and thanks to the structure of their shell, they favor the creation of microhabitats in the sea bottom, promoting local biodiversity. As we can see, the Malacological Section is invaluable, because, just like Neruda saw "thousands of little submarine doors" in the seashells, the specimens in it offer a unique window into the understanding of the particularities of these animals and the roles they play in their natural environment. To highlight the close relation between natural and cultural is an open invitation to recognize ourselves as an integral part of the ecosystem and to assume our responsibility in its preservation, opening ourselves to dialogue and towards the need of a more respectful coexistence with our environment. [23] César Lodeiros Seijo et al., "Breve Historia del Spondylus…" : 872. [24] Sebastián Sabatini y Javier Calcagno. "Los Moluscos como Bioindicadores". In Los invertebrados marinos, coordinated by Javier Calcagno (Vazquez Mazzini Editores, 2014). [25] Erick Baqueiro et al., "Los moluscos y la contaminación. Una revisión". Revista mexicana de biodiversidad 78 (2007). 96 universidad de chile