Overview of Mollusks: Phylum Mollusca

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What is the primary function of the radula in mollusks?

To aid in locomotion

To secrete a substance that hardens into a shell

To filter feed

To scrape food particles (correct)

What is the characteristic of the foot of mollusks?

It is a flat muscular structure (correct)

It is a spiny projection

It is a hollow tube

It is a segmented appendage

Which class of mollusks includes snails and slugs?

Polyplacophora

Bivalvia

Cephalopoda

Gastropoda (correct)

What is the function of the ink sac in cephalopods?

To produce a thick black liquid that blinds and confuses predators Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the skin of echinoderms?

It is rough or spiny Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the lifestyle of most echinoderms?

They are free-swimming as larvae and sessile as adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a horseshoe crab's pedipalps?

Walking Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the carbohydrate that makes up a horseshoe crab's exoskeleton?

Chitin Signup and view all the answers

Where do horseshoe crabs typically lay their eggs?

On sandy beaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate age of a horseshoe crab when it reaches reproductive maturity?

10 years Signup and view all the answers

How many species of horseshoe crabs exist?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of food for horseshoe crabs?

Marine worms and mollusks Signup and view all the answers

How many times can a juvenile horseshoe crab molt its exoskeleton?

What is the purpose of the pheromones released by female horseshoe crabs?

To signal reproductive receptivity Signup and view all the answers

Where is the exoskeleton of echinoderms composed of calcium carbonate plates or ossicles located?

Around their endoskeletons Signup and view all the answers

How do echinoderms reproduce sexually?

By producing sperm cells and eggs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the horseshoe crab is often used for testing vaccines for sterility?

Blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological consequence of harvesting horseshoe crabs without regulation?

Decrease in population of migratory birds like the Red Knot Signup and view all the answers

Which class of arthropods includes sea stars and sea urchins?

Asteroidea and Echinoidea Signup and view all the answers

In which geological period did arthropods become some of the first animals to walk on land?

Carboniferous period Signup and view all the answers