Chiton
Chiton
Chiton (/ˈkaɪtən/; from the Greek word χιτών, meaning "tunic") is a type of marine mollusk belonging to the class Polyplacophora. They are known for their distinctive, armor-like shell composed of eight separate shell plates or valves.
Etymology
The term "chiton" originates from the Greek word "χιτών", which translates to "tunic" in English. This is in reference to the mollusk's unique shell, which resembles a coat of armor.
Anatomy
Chitons have a dorsal shell which is composed of eight separate shell plates, making them easily recognizable. These plates overlap slightly at the front and back edges, providing protection while allowing the chiton to flex its body to fit the contours of the surfaces it clings to. Underneath the protective shell plates, chitons have a muscular foot used for locomotion, and a mantle which produces the shell plates, spicules, and other hard parts of the exoskeleton.
Habitat and Distribution
Chitons are found worldwide, in cold water, warm water, and in the tropics. They live on hard surfaces such as the rocky substrates found in intertidal zones and subtidal zones. Some species live quite high in the intertidal zone and are exposed to the air and light for long periods.
Related Terms
- Polyplacophora: The class to which chitons belong.
- Exoskeleton: A rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals, especially arthropods, providing both support and protection.
- Intertidal zone: The area that is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide.
- Subtidal zone: The region of the ocean that lies below the low tide line and is always submerged.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chiton
- Wikipedia's article - Chiton
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