Mollusca, commonly referred to as mollusks, is a diverse group of invertebrate animals that includes snails, clams, octopuses, and squids. They are characterized by their soft bodies, which are often protected by a hard shell made of calcium carbonate. Mollusks exhibit a wide range of forms and habitats, from terrestrial to marine environments, and play important roles in ecosystems and human economies. They possess a unique anatomical feature called a mantle, which is involved in shell production and respiration.