Gastropods
(snails, sea-snails, slugs) often have a spiral shell and crawl on a belly- foot
Gastropods are a diverse group of invertebrate animals that belong to the phylum Mollusca. They include snails, slugs, limpets, and sea hares, among others, and are found in a wide range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.
Here are some key features and facts about gastropods:
1. Gastropods are characterized by their univalve shells, which spiral in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
2. They have a muscular foot which is used for locomotion, and a radula, a specialized feeding organ that they use to scrape food off surfaces.
3. Most gastropods are herbivorous, feeding on algae, plants, and other organic matter. However, some species are predators, feeding on smaller animals such as other snails, clams, and fish.
4. Gastropods have a well-developed nervous system, and some species are capable of learning and even have rudimentary memories.
5. They are also hermaphrodites, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs, although some species may still require mating with another individual to reproduce.
6. Gastropods have an important ecological role, as they are both prey and predators and play a key role in the food web. They are also important indicators of environmental health, as they can be sensitive to changes in their habitat.
7. Finally, gastropods have a rich and diverse cultural significance, with many species being used for food, medicine, and decoration across different cultures around the world.
More Answers:
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