Question

Give the general characteristics of phylum Mollusca.

Answer 1

The general characteristics of phylum Mollusca are -

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• The body of a molluscs is unsegmented like those of an annelid and an arthropod.
• They have an organ system level of organization.
• They show bilateral symmetry.
• They have an open circulatory system and possesses kidney-like organs for excretion.
• They are triploblastic animals.
• The coelomic cavity (schizocoelom) is reduced to a cavity called haemocoel, through which the hemolymph (function similarly as blood of vertebrates) circulates.
• Their body is divided into an anterior head, a ventral muscular foot and a dorsal visceral mass.
• The soft body is covered by a hard shell.
• A mollusc has a distinct foot for moving around.
• Examples of molluscs: Octopus, Pila (freshwater snail)