terrestrial mollusks

Terrestrial mollusks are land-dwelling animals belonging to a diverse group that includes snails, slugs, and their relatives. They have soft, unsegmented bodies often protected by a hard shell (in snails) or lacking one (in slugs). These creatures breathe air using a specialized lung-like structure called a pallial cavity. They are found in various terrestrial habitats, from forests to gardens, and play vital roles in ecosystems as decomposers and food sources. Terrestrial mollusks usually move slowly, using a muscular foot, and exhibit a range of adaptations to survive in their environments.