Mollusks: Characteristics and Classification

The video introduces mollusks, the second largest animal phylum, highlighting their diversity with over 100,000 known species. Mollusks are invertebrates with soft bodies, often protected by shells. They inhabit both land and water, primarily the ocean. The video details three main groups: Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Bivalvia (clams and oysters), and Cephalopoda (squids and octopuses). Each group has unique characteristics, such as the diverse and shell-less cephalopods, which are intelligent predators. The video concludes with a review and encourages further exploration of mollusks.

What is the second largest animal phylum?

• Echinodermata

• Chordata

• Mollusca

• Arthropoda

Where do most mollusks live?

• Rainforests

• Salty oceans

• Freshwater lakes

• Deserts

What is a unique feature of mollusk shells?

• They grow in one or two pieces without joints

• They are made of cartilage

• They have joints

• They are transparent

Which group of mollusks includes snails and slugs?

• Cephalopoda

• Arthropoda

• Gastropoda

• Bivalvia

What is a characteristic of bivalves?

• They have no shells

• They have two shells

• They have a spiraled shell

• They live only on land

Which group of mollusks is known for being intelligent and fast?

• Gastropoda

• Arthropoda

• Cephalopoda

• Bivalvia

What do cephalopods primarily eat?

• Fish and crustaceans

• Insects

• Algae

• Plants

What is missing in mollusks that some have tentacles for?

• Wings

• Legs

• Fins

• Arms

True or False: Cephalopods have shells.

• True

• False

What might you discover if you explore more about mollusks?

• A new type of fish

• A new type of bird

• A new type of mollusk

• A new type of plant