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Molluscs
Molluscs include all the shelled creatures of the seashore, with the exception of the barnacles. Molluscs are abundant in the region between high and low tide and are a major feature of all rocky ocean shores. Molluscs form one of the largest groups in the animal kingdom, with more than 80,000 known species. Molluscs form a very well defined group and although their outside features may vary greatly in form and colour, their internal structure is constant.

Graphic of a Primitive Mollusc

It is believed that modern molluscs evolved from a creature similar to the one above. It had its gills, reproductive organs and excretory organs within its mantle cavity at the rear of the animal. Although there are numerous limpet-like fossils which are of this structure, only one species has been brought up from 5,000 metres near the coast of Mexico in the pacific Ocean. It was first captured in 1957.

During development, a ll modern molluscs undergo torsion, where the mollusc body twists so that the mantle cavity, and the organs it holds, come to rest over the head, facing the incoming current.

Graphic of Gastropod body parts

Some Molluscs groups which are featured in this intertidal web site are:

Small photo of a chiton chitons

 

Small photo of a false limpet false limpets

 

Small photo of limpets limpets

 

Small photo of Top Shells top shells

 

Small photo of Turbans turbans

 

Small photo of Neritesnerites

 

Small photo of a whelk tritons, whelks
& spindle shells

 

Small photo of a thaidmurex shells
and thaids

 

Small photo of a littorinid littorinids

 

Small photo of a spihon shell siphon shells

 

Small photo of a bivalvebivalves

mussels

For more information on Molluscs visit MESA Molluscs

Molluscs

Chitons
False Limpets
Limpets
Top Shells
Nerites
Shell-less Molluscs
Turbans
Tritons
Murex Shells
Periwinkles & kin
Mussels
Siphon Shells
Bivalves

Home Page
 Taxonomy
Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
 Biological Factors
Feeding Relationships
Activities
Glossary
References

 

For more information on Molluscs visit MESA Molluscs

 

photo of Keith DaveyLife on Australian Seashores
by Keith Davey (C) 2000
Learning Consultant - Media
The University of Newcastle
email at australian_seashores@hotmail.com

Scientific Consultant: Phil Colman
site created 01.01.98 : updated 01.04.2000