Gastropods
Gastropods
Gastropods (pronounced: gas-tro-pods), also known as snails and slugs, are a large taxonomic class within the phylum Mollusca. The name 'gastropod' is derived from the ancient Greek words 'gastér' (stomach) and 'pous' (foot).
Etymology
The term "gastropod" comes from the Greek words "gastér" for stomach, and "pous" for foot, referring to the unusual body plan of the gastropods, where the foot is located near the stomach.
Anatomy
Gastropods have a unique anatomical structure that includes a well-developed head with eyes or tentacles, a muscular foot, a visceral mass, and a mantle. The mantle is a significant part of a gastropod's anatomy, as it secretes the shell in those species that have one.
Classification
Gastropods are classified into three main subclasses: Prosobranchia, Opisthobranchia, and Pulmonata. Each subclass is further divided into orders, families, genera, and species.
Habitat and Distribution
Gastropods are found in a wide range of habitats, from terrestrial regions to freshwater and marine environments. They are distributed worldwide, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to the tropics.
Diet
Most gastropods are herbivorous, feeding on algae or plant material, but some are carnivorous or detritivores.
Reproduction
Gastropods may be either male or female, but many species are hermaphrodites. They reproduce either by laying eggs or giving live birth, depending on the species.
Related Terms
- Mollusca: The phylum to which gastropods belong.
- Prosobranchia: A subclass of gastropods.
- Opisthobranchia: Another subclass of gastropods.
- Pulmonata: The third subclass of gastropods.
- Mantle: A significant part of a gastropod's anatomy.
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.