AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In an attempt to protect themselves against predators, land snails retract their soft parts into their shell when they are resting; some bury themselves.

Detailed explanation-2: -If the snail encounters something offensive, it will respond by retracting its tentacles and retreating. Sometimes, a snail even will retract its whole body into its shell.

Detailed explanation-3: -Land snail defenses against predators include cryptic coloration and texture; thickened shells and aperture barriers; defense mucus production including irritating smells and tastes; hiding behaviors, and rapid withdrawal or dislodging movements.

Detailed explanation-4: -Touching the snail or even letting one crawl on you holds no danger, as snails aren’t poisonous. If you like to eat them as escargot, however, you can’t just pick up a garden snail and cook it. Snails ingest dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides and snail bait, as they move through flower beds looking for food.