CLASS GASTROPODA Meaning and
Definition
-
Class Gastropoda is a taxonomic class within the phylum Mollusca, which includes a diverse group of animals commonly known as gastropods. Gastropods are the largest and most successful class within the phylum Mollusca, containing over 80,000 known species. They are characterized by their soft bodies, usually protected by a calcareous shell which is secreted by a specialized organ called the mantle.
Gastropods exhibit a wide range of morphological features and adaptations, making them highly adaptable to various habitats ranging from marine and freshwater to terrestrial environments. Their body plan typically consists of a muscular foot for locomotion, a distinct head with sensory organs, and a coiled shell that spirals as the animal grows. However, some gastropods have reduced or absent shells, particularly in terrestrial forms.
The class Gastropoda encompasses a diverse array of species, including snails, slugs, conches, limpets, and sea hares, among many others. They display a wide range of ecological roles, such as herbivores, carnivores, scavengers, filter feeders, and even parasites. Some gastropods are also important vectors for disease transmission, while others play a crucial role in cycling nutrients in their respective ecosystems.
Gastropods have existed for over 500 million years, and their evolutionary success can be attributed to their adaptability, flexible feeding habits, and their ability to colonize and thrive in various habitats worldwide.
Common Misspellings for CLASS GASTROPODA
- xlass gastropoda
- vlass gastropoda
- flass gastropoda
- dlass gastropoda
- ckass gastropoda
- cpass gastropoda
- coass gastropoda
- clzss gastropoda
- clsss gastropoda
- clwss gastropoda
- clqss gastropoda
- claas gastropoda
- clazs gastropoda
- claxs gastropoda
- clads gastropoda
- claes gastropoda
- claws gastropoda
- clasa gastropoda
- clasz gastropoda
Etymology of CLASS GASTROPODA
The word "Gastropoda" is derived from two Greek words: "gaster" meaning "stomach" and "podos" meaning "foot".
The class name "Gastropoda" was coined by French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1795. It refers to the characteristic locomotion method of snails, slugs, and other members of this class. These animals typically move by using a single muscular foot located on their ventral (lower) side, which appears to crawl or glide like a stomach-footed creature.
Therefore, "Gastropoda" can be translated as "stomach-footed" or "belly-footed", referring to the placement and function of the muscular foot in these organisms.
Similar spelling word for CLASS GASTROPODA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
