What are the characteristics of mollusks?
Mollusks are soft-bodied invertebrates of the phylum Mollusca, usually wholly or partly enclosed in a calcium carbonate shell secreted by a soft mantle covering the body.
Are freshwater mollusks safe from humans?
The vast majority of mollusks live in the deep ocean and are relatively safe from the destruction of their habitat and depredation by humans, but that’s not the case for freshwater mollusks (i.e., those that live in lakes and rivers) and terrestrial (land-dwelling) species.
Are mollusks invertebrates or vertebrates?
Mollusks are invertebrates such as snails, scallops, and squids. Mollusks have a hard outer shell. There is a layer of tissue called the mantle between the shell and the body. Most mollusks have tentacles for feeding and sensing, and many have a muscular foot. Mollusks also have a coelom]
What is the scientific name for mollusks?
Fast Facts: Mollusks. Scientific Name: Mollusca (Caudofoveates, Solanogastres, Chitons, Monoplacophorans, Scaphopods, Bivalves, Gastropods, Cephalopods) Common Name: Mollusks or molluscs.
Mollusks have a hard outer shell. There is a layer of tissue called the mantle between the shell and the body. Most mollusks have tentacles for feeding and sensing, and many have a muscular foot. Mollusks also have a coelom, a complete digestive system, and specialized organs for excretion.
What is the size of the largest mollusk?
The largest mollusk, a colossal squid, may be as long as a school bus and weigh over half a ton! The basic body plan of a mollusk is shown in Figure below. The main distinguishing feature is a hard outer shell. It covers the top of the body and encloses the internal organs.
Are there any mollusks that have no shell?
Aplacophorans, the mollusks that never had a shell, are now known to be two separate groups, the caudofoveates and the solenogastres. Though they lack shells, they do have calcified spicules on their skin, which give them a fuzzy appearance.
How do mollusks walk?
There is a muscular foot under the body of a mollusk. Different mollusks use this foot for different things. A snail or slug moves slowly on its foot. It secretes mucus to help it stick to the surface and slide along. A snail is capable of walking across a razor blade without getting cut!