Mollusks

Mollusks are a diverse group of soft-bodied animals, many of which develop a hard shell for protection. They include species like snails, clams, oysters, squids, and octopuses. Mollusks have a simple body structure with a muscular foot for movement, a visceral mass containing organs, and a mantle that secretes their shell. They can live in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Mollusks play essential roles in ecosystems as grazers, filter feeders, and prey for other animals, and some, like oysters, are valuable for food and water filtration.