Mollusks, or molluscs, are a diverse group of invertebrate animals belonging to the phylum Mollusca. They are found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments and exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and ecological roles. Mollusks are known for their soft bodies, often protected by a hard shell, although not all mollusks possess shells.

Key characteristics of mollusks include:

1. **Soft Body**: Mollusks typically have a soft, unsegmented body that may be covered by a thin layer of tissue called the mantle. The mantle plays a vital role in secreting the shell in species that possess one.

2. **Foot**: Most mollusks have a muscular structure called a foot, which is used for locomotion, attachment, or burrowing, depending on the species. The shape and function of the foot can vary greatly among different groups of mollusks.

3. **Shell**: Many mollusks produce a hard, protective shell made primarily of calcium carbonate. The shell serves to protect the animal from predators, abrasion, and desiccation. However, not all mollusks have shells; some species, such as slugs and octopuses, have reduced or internalized shells, while others, like nudibranchs, lack shells altogether.

4. **Radula**: Mollusks possess a unique feeding structure called a radula, which is a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny, chitinous teeth. The radula is used to scrape, rasp, or pierce food items, depending on the species’ feeding habits.

5. **Visceral Mass**: The visceral mass is the central portion of the mollusk’s body that contains the internal organs, including the digestive, circulatory, reproductive, and nervous systems.

Mollusks are one of the most diverse and successful groups of animals, with an estimated 100,000 living species, including familiar organisms such as snails, clams, oysters, squid, and octopuses. They play important roles in ecosystems as predators, scavengers, filter feeders, and prey, and they contribute to nutrient cycling and food webs.

Mollusks have a rich evolutionary history dating back over 500 million years, with early ancestors appearing in the fossil record during the Cambrian period. Today, they occupy a wide range of habitats and exhibit remarkable adaptations to various environmental conditions.

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