Q:
Is a snail a mammal or a reptile?
A:
Quick Answer
Snails are neither mammals nor reptiles. They belong to the phylum Mollusca and are classified as gastropods. Gastropods are characterized as having a single shell that is capable of hiding them completely.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Tim Dutton
CC-BY 2.0
Full Answer
Other characteristics of gastropods include a complete digestive track and one large "foot" that is responsible for all movement. Many also contain what is known as a radula, which is a special organ made of chitin inside the animal's mouth. This organ evolved to allow the gastropod to scrape food from whichever surface it moves across. Gastropods are one of the most diverse classes of animals on the planet, second only to insects, and contain the only species of mollusk that can live on land.
Learn more about Slugs & SnailsSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is a blue mystery snail?
A: A blue mystery snail is a freshwater snail from the Ampullariidae family. These snails are more commonly known as apple snails and are a popular aquarium p... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is a snail's habitat?
A: Snails live in a range of moist environments that generally include areas with robust vegetation like temperate and tropical forests, as well as in aquatic... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is a snail a bug?
A: Snails are members of the class Gastropoda, phylum Mollusca, and thus are not formally considered bugs. True bugs are part of class Hemiptera, which are fr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where do snail shells come from?
A: Snail shells are formed when a snail continually feeds on calcium. A snail is born with a soft version of its shell that needs calcium to grow into the har... Full Answer >Filed Under:
