Suite101 e-Book
Snails and Mussels

If you think snails are just the lettuce eaters in your garden and mussels just the oysters on your plate - think again. There is much more diversity in the realm of these small creatures that are often considered 'primitive'. Snails and mussels, which belong to the Molluscs or soft-tissued animals, exist worldwide in an amazing diversity of species. At least the snails can handle living in many different habitats. This short series of Suite articles presents some striking Molluscs, and explain a few interesting Mollusc behaviors.

Table of Contents

• Discovery of a Living Fossil
• The Solved Mystery of Pearls
• Worm Snails aren’t Worms
• Chitons
• Giant Clams
• Rafting Snails
• Butterflies of the Sea
• Mucus Trails Help Snails Find Their Way Back Home
• Molluscan Pondhoppers
• A Spotted Cellar Guest
• Hibernating Snails

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