Mollusca: Gastropoda

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions relating to the class Gastropoda within the phylum Mollusca, focusing on anatomical, ecological, and reproductive aspects.

Mollusca

A diverse group of invertebrates that includes snails, clams, and octopuses.

Gastropoda

A class of mollusks characterized by a single, usually spiraled shell and a muscular foot.

Torsion

A developmental process in gastropods where the body twists 180 degrees, resulting in the placement of the anus above the head.

Operculum

A protective covering of a snail's shell that helps prevent desiccation and protect against predators.

Herbivore

An animal that primarily feeds on plants.

Predator

An animal that preys upon other animals.

Parasite

An organism that lives on or in a host and causes harm to the host.

Benthic

Referring to organisms that live on the bottom of a body of water.

Infaunal

Organisms that burrow into the substrate of a body of water.

Pelagic

Organisms that live in the open water column rather than near the bottom.

Dioecious

A species having male and female reproductive organs on separate individuals.

Hermaphroditic

A species that has both male and female reproductive organs.

Veliger

A larval stage in some gastropods, characterized by the presence of a ciliated larval shell.

Caenogastropoda

A diverse group of gastropods that includes whelks, cowries, and heteropods.

Heterobranchia

A class of gastropods that includes sea slugs, bubble shells, and terrestrial snails.

Opisthobranchs

A group within Heterobranchia that includes nudibranchs and sea hares, usually lacking a shell.

Pulmonates

A group of gastropods that breathe using a lung-like structure, commonly found on land and in freshwater.