Mollusks
Mollusks (Mollusca)
Mollusks (pronounced: /ˈmɒləsk/), also spelled as molluscs, are a large and diverse group of invertebrates in the phylum Mollusca. The name 'mollusk' comes from the Latin word 'molluscus', meaning 'soft', which refers to their soft bodies.
Etymology
The term 'mollusk' is derived from the French word 'mollusque', which originated from the Latin word 'molluscus', meaning 'thin-shelled', 'soft', or 'tender'. This term was used by Pliny the Elder in his work, Natural History, to describe soft-bodied animals like cuttlefish.
Classification
Mollusks are classified into several classes, including Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Bivalvia (clams, oysters, and other bivalves), Cephalopoda (squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish), and others. Each class has unique characteristics and adaptations.
Anatomy
Mollusks have a wide range of anatomical structures, but most have a soft body that is often protected by a hard shell. They typically have a head with sensory organs, a muscular foot for locomotion, and a visceral mass containing most of the internal organs.
Habitat and Distribution
Mollusks are found in a variety of habitats, from terrestrial to freshwater and marine environments. They are distributed worldwide, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to the tropics.
Related Terms
- Gastropoda: The largest class of mollusks, including snails and slugs.
- Bivalvia: A class of mollusks that includes clams, oysters, and other bivalves.
- Cephalopoda: A class of mollusks that includes squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish.
- Invertebrate: An animal without a backbone. Mollusks are one of the largest groups of invertebrates.
- Phylum: A level of classification in the biological taxonomy. Mollusks belong to the phylum Mollusca.
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