Pulmonata

Pulmonata various examples 3

Museum fg02

Pulmonata

Sigmurethra various examples 1

Pulmonata is an informal group (previously considered a subclass) of gastropods that includes most land snails and slugs, as well as many freshwater snails and slugs. Pulmonates are characterized by their ability to breathe air using a lung-like structure, which is a significant adaptation that has allowed them to colonize terrestrial environments.

Characteristics

Pulmonates possess a pallial lung, which is a highly vascularized part of the mantle cavity that functions in gas exchange. This adaptation allows them to live in environments where gills would be ineffective. The lung opens to the outside through a small opening called the pneumostome.

Pulmonates exhibit a wide range of body forms and sizes, from small, delicate snails to large, robust slugs. They have a radula, a specialized feeding organ used to scrape or cut food. The majority of pulmonates are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, although some are omnivorous or even carnivorous.

Reproduction

Pulmonates are typically hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They often engage in complex mating behaviors, and some species are known for their use of love darts during courtship. Fertilization is internal, and many species lay eggs in moist environments.

Taxonomy

The classification of Pulmonata has undergone significant changes with advances in molecular phylogenetics. Traditionally, Pulmonata was divided into several orders, including Stylommatophora, Basommatophora, and Systellommatophora. However, recent studies have led to a re-evaluation of these groups, and Pulmonata is now considered a part of the larger clade Heterobranchia.

Habitat and Distribution

Pulmonates are found in a wide range of habitats, from terrestrial environments such as forests, grasslands, and deserts, to freshwater habitats like ponds, rivers, and streams. They are distributed worldwide, with a particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Ecological Importance

Pulmonates play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As herbivores, they help control plant growth and contribute to the decomposition of organic matter. They are also an important food source for a variety of predators, including birds, mammals, and other invertebrates.

Related Pages

• Gastropoda
• Heterobranchia
• Stylommatophora
• Basommatophora
• Systellommatophora
• Pneumostome
• Radula
• Love dart