AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The radula (US: /ˈrædʒʊlə/; plural radulae or radulas) is an anatomical structure used by mollusks for feeding, sometimes compared to a tongue. It is a minutely toothed, chitinous ribbon, which is typically used for scraping or cutting food before the food enters the esophagus.

Detailed explanation-2: -The common formula of radula is M + L + R + L + M. Each row in the radula has one central or rachidian tooth (R): on each side, a few lateral teeth (L), and then beyond that, a few marginal teeth (M). Different species could have different lateral teeth, and then, numerous marginal teeth may be uncountable.

Detailed explanation-3: -Inside the giant squid’s sharp beak is a tongue-like organ called the radula (shown in yellow). Covered with rows of tiny teeth, it rams bite size pieces of food down the squid’s throat. The pieces must be small because the giant squid’s esophagus passes through the brain on the way to the stomach.

Detailed explanation-4: -A radula is a tongue-like ribbon that helps the snail scrape or cut its food before it swallows it.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most mollusks have a rasping tongue called a radula, armed with tiny teeth. This scrapes tiny plants and animals off rocks or tears food into chunks. Bivalves, such as oysters and mussels, filter food particles from the water with their gills.