Comparisons of radula types in Gastropods and Bivalve systems in the Phylum Mollusca.

... Comparisons of radula types in Gastropods and Bivalve systems in the Phylum Mollusca. Introduction Although not always apparent, within the Phylum Mollusca there is a uniform that is in the whole Phylum. These are a muscular foot, visceral mass and mantle cavity. Most within this phylum are soft bodied and as such require a shell for protection against predators. The shell is formed by a fold of tissue that drapes over the visceral mass and secretes the shell, which is composed of Calcium carbonate. The largest class with this phylum is the Gastropods. These usually have conical, flattened or spiral shells which have been formed through torsion. The class Bivalve are given their name because they have extensive mantle lobes which enable them to secrete a single shell composed to two valves by which the shell is hinged, which is the non calcified part. The shell is closed by posterior and

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