Snail

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Snail is a common name that is applied most often to land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks. However, the common name "snail" is also applied to most of the members of the molluscan class Gastropoda that have a coiled shell that is large enough for the animal to retract completely into.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Snails have a coiled shell that grows with them and serves to protect their soft bodies. They have a foot that is adapted for locomotion, and tentacles that are sensitive to touch and taste. A snail's mouth is equipped with a radula, a rough, tongue-like organ that the snail uses to scrape food particles off surfaces and into its mouth.

Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]

Snails are found in a wide range of environments including deserts, forests, and marine environments. They are found on every continent, including Antarctica. Some species have adapted to live in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents and deep-sea trenches.

Diet[edit | edit source]

Most snails are herbivores, eating vegetation such as leaves, stems and flowers. Some larger species and marine snails are predators, eating other invertebrates.

Reproduction[edit | edit source]

Many snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They can reproduce both sexually, by mating with another snail, and asexually, by self-fertilization.

Human Interaction[edit | edit source]

Snails have been used by humans in various ways. They are a source of food in many cultures, known as escargot when prepared in the French style. They are also used in research and have been sent into space for scientific studies.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Many species of snails are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD