Mollusks

Snails, clams, squids, and octopuses are all mollusks, which are soft-bodied animals that live in oceans and lakes and on land. All mollusks are in a group called Mollusca. Different types of mollusks look very different from one another. The three different types of mollusks are: gastropods (snails and slugs), bivalves (clams and oysters), and cephalopods (octopuses and squids). All mollusks have the same basic body plan (illustrated). They have organs, which are body parts that have a particular function and include the heart, stomach, and intestines. Most mollusks have a shell that covers or is inside the body. A mollusk has a mantle that encloses and protects the organs and creates the shell. A mollusk has one or more feet, and many have a toothed tongue called a radula. Mollusca is a very big group of animals that come in many different types, shapes, sizes, and colors. A pronunciation guide of scientific terms is included. 24 pages filled with engaging, colorful illustrations. Reading Level 1-3, Interest Level 2-5. Word count 270, Lexile measure 550L.