NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The phylum Mollusca is the second-largest animal phylum, with over 100, 000 species. The molluscs include many familiar animals, including clams, snails, slugs, and squid, as well as some less familiar animals, like tusk shells and chitons (Fig. 3.51 A).

Detailed explanation-2: -Molluscs, one of the largest groups in the animal kingdom, have soft bodies and generally have a hard shell for protection – so they are often called “shellfish”. Most molluscs are found in the ocean, but many can be found in freshwater and on land. Worldwide there are about 100, 000 species of marine molluscs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mollusks are soft-bodied animals that usually have an internal or external shell. Ex. Clams, squid, octopi, mussels, nudibranchs. They have a free swimming larval stage called a trochophore.

Detailed explanation-4: -mollusk, also spelled mollusc, any soft-bodied invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca, usually wholly or partly enclosed in a calcium carbonate shell secreted by a soft mantle covering the body.

Detailed explanation-5: -Soft-bodied invertebrates, mollusks include slugs, snails, octopuses, squid, clams, and mussels. Most mollusks have SHELLS to protect them.