Mollusca (class of animals)

Mollusca is a diverse group of invertebrate animals that includes snails, clams, squids, and octopuses. They typically have soft, unsegmented bodies often protected by a hard shell. Most mollusks have a muscular foot used for movement or attachment, and many possess a specialized structure called a mantle that secretes their shell. They have a unique, fluid-filled cavity called the visceral mass housing their internal organs. Mollusca vary greatly in form and habitat, from marine to freshwater and terrestrial environments, showcasing an impressive range of adaptations and biological features.