Here you can observe the key component of mollusks. The four defining factors are the visceral mass, mantle, foot and radula.
These two are examples of gastropods. Gastropods can live in a variety of areas ranging from land, fresh water to salt water. Most of them have shells but evolution and natural selection has caused the slug to lose their shells.
Here is a cross section view of the body of a bivalve. Remember, bivalves have an open circulatory system.
Fun Fact: Bivalves' feet stick out of their shells and are used to dig quickly into the sand to escape predators.
Fun Fact: Bivalves' feet stick out of their shells and are used to dig quickly into the sand to escape predators.
This is the blue-ringed octopus.
Fun Fact: Though extremely small, growing up to only 5 centimeters in size, this octopus is considered one of the most venomous creatures. Normally, these creatures are calm in nature, but if it is agitated or accidentally stepped on at the beach, they will bite. |
This is the cuttlefish, a close relative of the octopus.
Fun Fact: During the mating season, male cuttlefish are know for their brilliant changes in color in order to attract females. Some males are even known to make themselves look like females in order to trick dominate males and steal their mates. |