Sea snail
Sea Snail
Sea snail (pronunciation: /siː sneɪl/) is a common name for slow-moving marine gastropod mollusks usually with a coiled shell, although some sea snails are shell-less.
Etymology
The term "sea snail" is derived from the Old English word "snægl," which refers to a kind of snail. The prefix "sea" is added to distinguish these species from land-dwelling snails.
Description
Sea snails are found throughout the world's oceans, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to the tropics. They occupy various habitats, including intertidal zones, estuaries, and the deep sea. Sea snails range in size from tiny species that are less than 1 cm in diameter to large species that can reach over 60 cm.
Anatomy
The anatomy of a sea snail includes a well-developed head with tentacles, eyes, and a mouth. The body is soft and protected by a hard shell, which is usually coiled. The shell is made of calcium carbonate and is formed by the snail's mantle, a specialized tissue.
Diet
Sea snails are primarily herbivores, feeding on algae and other plant material. Some species are scavengers, consuming dead animals and organic debris. A few species are predators, feeding on other sea snails and various invertebrates.
Related Terms
- Gastropod: A large class of mollusks which includes sea snails.
- Mollusk: A large phylum of invertebrate animals, many of which live in the sea.
- Calcium Carbonate: A common substance found in rocks and the main component of the shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggshells.
- Algae: A simple, non-flowering, and typically aquatic plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sea snail
- Wikipedia's article - Sea snail
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