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A mollusk's exoskeleton is composed of chitin (a component of the exoskeleton of most animals) and conchiolin which is a form of calcium carbonate (present in snail shells). These complex proteins are secreted by the mantle layer present right below the shell and hardens over time as the creature grows.

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Do mollusks have a spiny or leathery covering?

Mollusks do not have a spiny or leathery covering; instead, they typically possess a hard external shell made of calcium carbonate, which can be smooth or textured. Some mollusks, like octopuses and squids, lack a traditional shell and have a more flexible body structure. The shell serves as protection for many species, while others rely on camouflage or other adaptations for defense.


Is a octopus a mollusk that does not have a hard shell.?

Yes, an octopus is a type of mollusk classified under the class Cephalopoda. Unlike many other mollusks, such as snails or clams, octopuses do not have a hard external shell. Instead, they possess a soft body, which allows for greater flexibility and movement in their aquatic environments.


What characteristics do all mollusks share that separate this phylum from other phyla in the kingdom animalia?

All mollusks possess a soft body covered by a hard shell, a muscular foot for movement, and a mantle that secretes the shell. These characteristics distinguish mollusks from other phyla in the animal kingdom.


What covers mollusks bodys?

Mollusks have soft body and hard shells but some don't even have shells.


Do mollusk have a hard outer shell?

no..... slugs are mollusks and they don't have a shell


Does mollusks protect themselves?

Most of Mollusks protect themselves with help of shell . Shell is hard protective covering made up of CaCO3. Cephalopods are not protected by shell .


What is the external skeleton called on a mollusk?

Mollusks do not have an external skeleton; instead, they have a hard, protective shell made primarily of calcium carbonate. This shell serves as a form of defense and support. In some mollusk species, such as octopuses and squids, the shell is reduced or absent, but the mantle tissue still secretes the shell material when present.


Do snales have back bones?

No, snails do not have backbones. They are mollusks, which means they possess a soft body and a hard shell, but lack an internal skeleton. Instead of a backbone, snails have a muscular foot that helps them move and a mantle that secretes their shell.


What is the name of the hard shell of crabs and toitoises?

The hard shell of a lobster is known as the chitin.


What kind of mullusks do not have backbones?

Mollusks without backbones are called invertebrates. Some examples of invertebrate mollusks include snails, clams, octopuses, and squid. These animals have soft bodies and are protected by a hard external shell or by their muscular structure.


Does a whelk have a skeleton?

No, a whelk does not have a skeleton. Whelks are marine mollusks that belong to the class Gastropoda, and they have a soft body protected by a hard shell made of calcium carbonate. This shell serves as an external support structure rather than an internal skeleton.


What would a mollusks hard shell help it to do?

Protect against predators trying to eat it.