Question

Mention any eight characteristics of phylum mollusca.

Answer 1

Mollusca:

It is the second-largest phylum of the kingdom Animalia. These are aquatic and terrestrial animals.

Characteristics of phylum Mollusca:

1. The animals possess soft and unsegmented bodies.
2. The body is triploblastic, bilaterally symmetrical, and coelomates.
3. The body is divided into a distinct head, muscular foot, and visceral hump.
4. The head consists of eyes, mouth, and tentacles.
5. The visceral hump is covered by a soft and spongy layer of skin called the mantle.
6. The foot present is used for moving around.
7. The body is covered by a calcareous shell.
8. The shells may be of various shapes.