Whelk
Whelk
Whelk (/wɛlk/), from the Old English weoloc, is a common name that is applied to various kinds of sea snail, many of which have historically been used for food.
Etymology
The term whelk is derived from the Old English weoloc, which is of uncertain origin. It may be related to the Old Norse hvalr, meaning whale, due to the large size of some whelk species.
Description
Whelks are marine gastropods that belong to several different families, including the Buccinidae, Muricidae, and Melongenidae. They are characterized by their spiral shells and a foot used for locomotion. Some species also have an operculum, a door-like structure that can close the shell's opening.
Diet
Whelks are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of organisms such as bivalves, marine worms, and other gastropods. They use their radula, a toothed structure, to drill holes into their prey's shell and consume the soft parts inside.
Habitat
Whelks are found in a variety of marine environments, from the intertidal zone to the deep sea. They are particularly common in temperate and cold waters, and can be found in oceans worldwide.
Related Terms
- Gastropod: A large and diverse group of mollusks that includes snails and slugs.
- Buccinidae: A family of sea snails that includes many species commonly referred to as whelks.
- Muricidae: A family of sea snails known for their ornate shells, some species of which are also referred to as whelks.
- Melongenidae: A family of sea snails that includes the large and edible Indian volute or bailer shell.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Whelk
- Wikipedia's article - Whelk
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