Snails

Snails are a group of mollusks that have coiled shells in the adult stage. They are found in a variety of habitats, from gardens to oceans. Snails can be divided into three groups: land snails, sea snails, and freshwater snails.

Anatomy

Snails have a soft, unsegmented body that is 2 to 4 cm long. They have a coiled shell to protect their body and a foot used for locomotion. The head has one or two pairs of tentacles. The eyes are located at the base of the tentacles in most land snails, but are found at the tips in most sea and freshwater snails.

Diet

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

Reproduction

Most snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They can fertilize themselves, but usually they mate with another snail of the same species. Eggs are laid in a nest in the soil, and hatch into small snails with a tiny shell, which grows as the snail grows.

Snails and Humans

Snails have been used as food by humans since prehistoric times, and are still eaten in many countries, where they are considered a delicacy. They are also used in research and have been sent into space for experiments. Some species of snails are pests in agriculture and horticulture.

Conservation

Many species of snails are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts are being made to protect them, including breeding programs and habitat restoration.

See Also

• Mollusks
• Herbivores
• Predators
• Scavengers
• Hermaphrodites