Gastropoda

/ɡæsˈtrɒpədə/ noun

Definition

A large class of mollusks that includes snails and slugs, characterized by a muscular foot on their belly used for movement.

Etymology

From Greek 'gastro-' (stomach) + 'poda' (feet). The name refers to the foot-like muscle running along the animal's belly, literally meaning 'stomach foot' because early naturalists thought the foot was part of the digestive system.

Kelly Says

Snails and slugs are incredibly successful animals that have existed for over 500 million years—they're found on every continent except Antarctica, and some species can actually breathe air while others breathe water!

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