Gastropoda

Gastropoda is a large taxonomic class within the phylum Mollusca. The class includes snails and slugs of all kinds and all sizes from microscopic to large. There are many thousands of species of sea snails and sea slugs, as well as freshwater snails, freshwater limpets, land snails and land slugs.

Anatomy

The anatomy of a typical gastropod is divided into three parts: head-foot, visceral mass, and mantle. The head-foot comprises the head, which contains the mouth and sensory organs, and the foot, which is a muscular organ used for locomotion. The visceral mass contains the internal organs, and the mantle is a layer of tissue that covers the visceral mass and secretes the shell in those species that have one.

Classification

Gastropods are classified into subgroups based on characteristics such as shell structure, feeding habits, and reproduction. The three main subclasses are Prosobranchia, Opisthobranchia, and Pulmonata.

Evolution

Gastropods have a long fossil record that goes back to the Late Cambrian. Over the years, they have evolved to adapt to a wide range of habitats, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Ecology

Gastropods play important roles in the ecosystem, serving as herbivores, detritivores, and predators. They are also hosts for a variety of parasites and are prey for many other animals.

Human Interaction

Humans interact with gastropods in a variety of ways. Some species are used as food, while others are kept as pets. Some gastropods are considered pests, as they can damage crops and gardens.

See Also

• Mollusca
• Snail
• Slug

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