Gastropods account for a large percentage of the Mollusk's population. Like most Mollusks the shell on the back of the snail serve as the skeleton, as well as protection and camouflage. The gastropod shell is an exoskeleton. In land snails, some freshwater snails, and marine snails, the shell is also good protection against the sun, and drying out.
Most of their shells are spiral. A few gastropods do not have shells, and they are called slugs. Most gastropods have a shell though. In the majority of species the shell is one piece, and is coiled. some groups, such as limpets, has a shell that is shaped like a cone.
Most of their shells are spiral. A few gastropods do not have shells, and they are called slugs. Most gastropods have a shell though. In the majority of species the shell is one piece, and is coiled. some groups, such as limpets, has a shell that is shaped like a cone.