Molluscs are soft-bodied beauties.
Molluscs (phylum Mollusca) are actually the largest marine phylum, although many do live on land. They are characterized by soft, unsegmented bodies and have bilateral symmetry. A mollusc has a muscular foot, a mantle (which can harden, creating a shell), and visceral mass. They also have a tongue-like organ called the radula.
The three main classes of molluscs are the bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods. Oysters and clams are bivalves. They have a shell with two halves (valves). Snails, slugs, and common periwinkles are gastropods. They are the largest class of molluscs and the visceral mass is contained in a shell in early developmental stages. Most adult gastropods retain the shell, while some (like the slug) lose the shell as an adult. Squid and octopi are the cephalopods. They are considered to be the most intelligent class of molluscs and all live in the water. Cephalopods have sight, tentacles, and are fast swimmers to hunt their prey.
The three main classes of molluscs are the bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods. Oysters and clams are bivalves. They have a shell with two halves (valves). Snails, slugs, and common periwinkles are gastropods. They are the largest class of molluscs and the visceral mass is contained in a shell in early developmental stages. Most adult gastropods retain the shell, while some (like the slug) lose the shell as an adult. Squid and octopi are the cephalopods. They are considered to be the most intelligent class of molluscs and all live in the water. Cephalopods have sight, tentacles, and are fast swimmers to hunt their prey.
To what class does this mollusc belong? (Correct answer will bring you to next page)