Molluscs
Molluscs (Mollusca)
Molluscs (pronounced: /ˈmɒləsk/), also known as Mollusca, are a large phylum of invertebrate animals. The name is derived from the Latin word "molluscus", meaning "soft", which refers to the soft-bodied nature of these creatures.
Etymology
The term "Mollusca" comes from the Latin word "molluscus", which means "soft". This is in reference to the soft bodies of these animals, which are often protected by a hard shell.
Characteristics
Molluscs are characterized by their soft bodies, which are often enclosed in a calcium carbonate shell. They have a muscular foot for locomotion and a mantle that secretes the material for the shell. Molluscs also have a specialized feeding structure called a radula, and most have a complex organ system with a heart, kidneys, and a nervous system.
Classification
Molluscs are divided into several classes, including Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Bivalvia (clams, oysters, and other bivalves), Cephalopoda (squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish), and several lesser-known groups.
Related Terms
- Gastropoda: The largest class of molluscs, including snails and slugs.
- Bivalvia: A class of molluscs that includes clams, oysters, and other bivalves.
- Cephalopoda: A class of molluscs that includes squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish.
- Radula: A specialized feeding structure found in most molluscs.
- Mantle (mollusc): The part of the body that secretes the shell in shelled molluscs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molluscs
- Wikipedia's article - Molluscs
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