marine gastropods

Marine gastropods are a diverse group of sea-dwelling mollusks that include snails and slugs. They typically have a soft, arched body housed in a coiled or uncoiled shell, which offers protection. These creatures use a muscular foot to move along surfaces and often have a specialized radula—a tongue-like structure with tiny teeth—to scrape food from surfaces. Marine gastropods play important ecological roles, such as controlling algae and serving as prey for many predators. They inhabit various ocean environments, from shallow reefs to deep-sea floors, showcasing remarkable adaptability and diversity.