The four major classes of molluscs are Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, and Polyplacophora.
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes gastropods from other molluscs?
Gastropods are characterized by their single, asymmetrical shell, which is coiled in most species.
What type of molluscs have two shells?
Bivalves have two shells, which are hinged together and can be opened and closed by powerful muscles.
What type of molluscs are sometimes called the "intellectuals of the sea"?
Cephalopods, which include octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, have large brains and complex nervous systems compared to other invertebrates.
What type of molluscs are covered in eight overlapping, dorsal plates?
Chitons, which belong to the class Polyplacophora, are covered in eight overlapping, dorsal plates that provide protection from predators and the environment.
What is the radula and what is its function in molluscs?
The radula is a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny, tooth-like structures that is used to scrape food off surfaces. It is found in many mollusc species.
Which class of molluscs is the most diverse in terms of the number of species?
The class Gastropoda is the most diverse in terms of the number of species, with over 60,000 described species.
What are some common mollusc species that are eaten by humans?
Examples of mollusc species that are eaten by humans include oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and squid.
What is the function of the ink sac in cephalopods?
Cephalopods use their ink sacs to release a cloud of dark ink when they feel threatened or need to escape from predators.
What is the term used to describe the slimy substance that some molluscs produce for protection?
The slimy substance that some molluscs produce for protection is called mucus.
What is torsion in gastropods?
Torsion is a process during gastropod development in which the body rotates 180 degrees, resulting in the anus and mantle cavity being located above the head instead of behind it.
What are some examples of predatory molluscs?
Examples of predatory molluscs include octopuses, cone snails, and sea slugs.
What is nacre and where is it found in molluscs?
Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a smooth, iridescent material that is secreted by the mantle of some molluscs, such as oysters and abalone.
How do molluscs breathe?
Most molluscs breathe using gills, which are specialized structures that extract oxygen from water. Some species, such as pulmonate snails, have evolved lungs or modified mantle cavities to breathe air.
What is the phylum of molluscs?
Molluscs belong to the phylum Mollusca.
What are the four major classes of molluscs?
The four major classes of molluscs are Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, and Polyplacophora.
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes gastropods from other molluscs?
Gastropods are characterized by their single, asymmetrical shell, which is coiled in most species.
What type of molluscs have two shells?
Bivalves have two shells, which are hinged together and can be opened and closed by powerful muscles.
What type of molluscs are sometimes called the "intellectuals of the sea"?
Cephalopods, which include octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, have large brains and complex nervous systems compared to other invertebrates.
What type of molluscs are covered in eight overlapping, dorsal plates?
Chitons, which belong to the class Polyplacophora, are covered in eight overlapping, dorsal plates that provide protection from predators and the environment.
What is the radula and what is its function in molluscs?
The radula is a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny, tooth-like structures that is used to scrape food off surfaces. It is found in many mollusc species.
Which class of molluscs is the most diverse in terms of the number of species?
The class Gastropoda is the most diverse in terms of the number of species, with over 60,000 described species.
What are some common mollusc species that are eaten by humans?
Examples of mollusc species that are eaten by humans include oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and squid.
What is the function of the ink sac in cephalopods?
Cephalopods use their ink sacs to release a cloud of dark ink when they feel threatened or need to escape from predators.
What is the term used to describe the slimy substance that some molluscs produce for protection?
The slimy substance that some molluscs produce for protection is called mucus.
What is torsion in gastropods?
Torsion is a process during gastropod development in which the body rotates 180 degrees, resulting in the anus and mantle cavity being located above the head instead of behind it.
What are some examples of predatory molluscs?
Examples of predatory molluscs include octopuses, cone snails, and sea slugs.
What is nacre and where is it found in molluscs?
Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a smooth, iridescent material that is secreted by the mantle of some molluscs, such as oysters and abalone.
How do molluscs breathe?
Most molluscs breathe using gills, which are specialized structures that extract oxygen from water. Some species, such as pulmonate snails, have evolved lungs or modified mantle cavities to breathe air.