Phylum Mollusca

Phylum Mollusca is a large group of invertebrate animals that includes species like snails, clams, squids, and octopuses. They typically have soft, unsegmented bodies often enclosed in a hard shell made of calcium carbonate. Mollusks have a muscular foot for movement, a visceral mass containing organs, and a mantle that secretes the shell. They usually have a radula, a tongue-like structure with tiny teeth for feeding. Mollusks inhabit diverse environments, from deep oceans to freshwater and land. They play important roles in ecosystems and have been significant to humans for food, pearls, and shells.