From Snails to Squid – Meet the Mollusks

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Mollusks are a fascinating group of invertebrates—animals that don’t have a backbone or an internal skeleton made of bones. Instead, their soft bodies are often protected by a hard outer shell. They live in a variety of habitats, including oceans, rivers, and on land too. Some of the most well-known mollusks include snails, clams, squids, and octopuses.

There are several major types of mollusks, each with unique features. Gastropods, such as snails and slugs, are the largest group. They usually have a single coiled shell and move using a muscular foot. Bivalves, like clams, scallops, mussels, and oysters, have two hinged shells and are often found buried in sand or attached to rocks. Cephalopods include some of the most advanced and intelligent mollusks, such as squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. They usually have tentacles and no external shell, though some have internal ones. These groups highlight the incredible variety found within the mollusk family.

Mollusks have developed a range of defense mechanisms to help them survive in the wild. Many rely on their shells as a first line of protection, using them to shield their soft bodies from predators. Cephalopods, such as squids and octopuses, have a different strategy—they can release a cloud of dark ink to confuse attackers and make a quick escape. Some mollusks, especially octopuses and cuttlefish, are also masters of camouflage, changing the color and texture of their skin to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection.

When it comes to feeding, mollusks have diverse diets depending on their type. Many snails are herbivores, using a tongue-like structure called a radula to scrape algae and plant material. Bivalves like clams are filter feeders; they draw in water and trap tiny food particles such as plankton. Cephalopods, on the other hand, are active hunters and carnivores. They use their tentacles to catch prey, and some, like the octopus, even have beak-like mouths to help break down their food. This variety in feeding habits reflects the wide range of environments mollusks have adapted to.

So, whether they’re gliding over rocks, filtering the ocean, or vanishing in a puff of ink, these soft-bodied wonders show just how creative nature can be.