Mollusks
Evolutionary Advancement: The Coelom (true body cavity) Definition: Mollusks are invertebrates with a soft, unsegmented body often enclosed in a hard shell Evolutionary Advancement: The Coelom (true body cavity) Enables the muscles to be separated from the gut so that digestion of food is not hindered by muscle contraction for movement A coelom provides a space where the circulatory system can transport blood
Class: Gastropoda
Characteristics: Most gastropods have a single shell, a head, and are motile. Conch; conch fritters – blowing conch
Respiration occurs by gas exchange through the lining of the mantle cavity – must be kept moist. Avoids dessication by retreating into shell and sealing it off with a mucous plug. Radula, ribbon like membrane with tiny teeth pointing backwards – allows food to be chewed before eaten
Slug – gastropod without a shell Slug – gastropod without a shell. Aquatic gastropods have gills within their mantle.
Class: Bivalvia scallop
Giant clam Characteristics: Most bivalves have two shells, no head, and are sessile.
Bivalves use siphons to feed Reproduction: sexual like sponges, release sperm and egg into water
Class: Cephalopoda
Characteristics: Most cephalopods have no shell, a head, and are rapid swimmers. Cuttlefish
Closed circulatory system
jaws on mouth of octopus
Largest brain of any invertebrate
Giant squid in battle with a baby sperm whale as described by fisherman in 1966. The squid won. Giant squid is largest invertebrate known (over 25 feet).