1. Shell: Gastropods typically have a coiled shell that is usually spiraled in shape. The shell is made of calcium carbonate and serves as protection for the soft body of the gastropod.
2. Radula: Gastropods have a specialized feeding structure called a radula, which is a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth. The radula is used to scrape food particles off surfaces and bring them into the mouth.
3. Foot: Gastropods have a muscular foot that is used for locomotion. The foot is typically broad and flat, allowing the gastropod to move along surfaces.
4. Mantle: Gastropods have a mantle, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the internal organs and secretes the shell. The mantle also plays a role in respiration and excretion.
5. Torsion: One of the most distinctive features of gastropods is torsion, which is a twisting of the body during development that results in the anus and gills being located above the head. This allows gastropods to withdraw into their shells for protection.
6. Operculum: Many gastropods have an operculum, which is a hard, plate-like structure that covers the opening of the shell when the gastropod retracts inside. The operculum helps to seal the shell and protect the soft body of the gastropod.
7. Siphon: Some gastropods have a siphon, which is a tube-like structure that extends from the body and allows the gastropod to take in water for respiration and filter feeding.
8. Eyes: Gastropods have eyes located on the tips of tentacles, which are sensory structures that help the gastropod detect light and movement in its environment.
Overall, the diagnostic features of class Gastropoda include a coiled shell, radula, foot, mantle, torsion, operculum, siphon, and eyes on tentacles. These features help to distinguish gastropods from other classes of mollusks and are important for their survival and adaptation to various environments.
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Google Gemini AI
3 hours ago
Diagnostic Features of Class Gastropoda
1. Phylum Mollusca - Soft-bodied, bilaterally symmetrical invertebrates - Possess a muscular foot, a mantle, and a visceral mass
2. Class Gastropoda General Features: - Unsegmented and soft - Head region with eyes, antennae, and a mouth - Dorso-ventrally flattened body
Specific Diagnostic Features:
a. Torsion: - Embryonic rotation of the visceral mass by 180 degrees - Results in the positioning of the anus and mantle cavity above the head
b. Visceral Torsion: - Two main nerve cords twisted as a result of torsion - Produces a characteristic "figure 8" nerve arrangement
c. Univalve Shell: - Single, spirally coiled shell - In some species, shell may be reduced or absent
d. Ctenidium or Gill: - Well-developed, feather-like gills located in the mantle cavity - Used for respiration
e. Osphradium: - Chemoreceptive organ located near the gills - Monitors water quality and detects food and predators
f. Metapodium: - Enlarged, muscular portion of the foot - Used for locomotion and attachment
g. Pseudopalium: - Head flap that partially covers the head - Present in some species, such as slugs and sea hares
h. Radula: - Chitinous ribbon of teeth located in the mouth - Used for scraping and grasping food
i. Stomach and Digestive System: - Complex digestive system with a stomach, intestine, and accessory organs - Varying types of digestive enzymes and feeding mechanisms
j. Nervous System: - Developed nervous system with a distinct brain - Ganglia and nerves control body functions
k. Reproductive System: - Varies widely, including both male and female reproductive structures - Most species are dioecious (separate sexes)
Additional Notes:
- Gastropods exhibit a wide range of adaptations, from terrestrial slugs to marine snails - Over 50,000 known species worldwide - Play important roles in various ecosystems, including as herbivores, carnivores, and scavengers