Mollusca: Is a phylum of protostomic invertebrate animals

Mollusca is a phylum of protostomic invertebrate animals, whose members are known as molluscs or mollusks[b] (/ ˈmɒləsks /). Around 76,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized, making it the second-largest animal phylum after Arthropoda. [6] What are Phylum Mollusca ? Phylum Mollusca , ranking as the second-largest phylum in the animal kingdom after Arthropoda, is distinguished by its members known as molluscs or mollusks. This phylum is characterized by approximately 76,000 extant species, with an estimated additional 60,000 to 100,000 fossil species. The high proportion of yet-to-be-described species indicates a vast, unexplored diversity within this group. Molluscs are predominantly marine organisms, accounting for about 23% of ... An organism in Phylum Mollusca is characterized by being a soft-bodied, triploblastic, and coelomate animal. Their body is typically unsegmented and divided into three main parts: a distinct head with sensory organs, a visceral hump or mass containing the internal organs, and a muscular foot used for locomotion. A key feature is the mantle, a soft covering that often secretes a hard, calcareous shell for protection. Phylum Mollusca is a major taxonomic group in the kingdom Animalia, comprising over 85,000 recognized species, with many more awaiting discovery. The name “ Mollusca ” originates from the Latin word “mollis,” meaning soft, reflecting the typically soft-bodied nature of these organisms. Key Characteristics of Mollusca Body Structure: Mollusks are bilaterally symmetrical and have a soft, unsegmented body divided into three main parts: Head-Foot Region: Contains sensory organs and ...