Gastropod
Gastropod
Gastropod (/ˈɡæstroʊˌpɒd/), from the Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastḗr, “stomach”) and πούς (poús, “foot”), is a major group of mollusks that 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.
Etymology
The word "gastropod" is derived from the Ancient Greek words γαστήρ (gastḗr, “stomach”) and πούς (poús, “foot”). The name "gastropod" reflects the unusual body plan of these animals, which have their feet located near their stomachs.
Anatomy
Gastropods have a unique anatomical feature, the torsion that causes the animal's anus and mantle to end up above its head. This process is unrelated to the coiling of the shell, which is a separate phenomenon. Gastropods have a shell which is usually coiled, though some groups have secondarily lost the shell.
Classification
Gastropods are a class within the phylum Mollusca, a group that also includes bivalves, cephalopods, and several other forms of life. They are further classified into several orders and families.
Habitat and Distribution
Gastropods are found in almost all habitats, from deep ocean trenches to deserts. They are found on all continents and in all oceans.
Related Terms
- Mollusca: The phylum to which gastropods belong.
- Bivalvia: Another class within the phylum Mollusca, includes clams, oysters, and mussels.
- Cephalopoda: Another class within the phylum Mollusca, includes octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.
- Torsion: A unique anatomical feature of gastropods.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastropod
- Wikipedia's article - Gastropod
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