Give the main distinguishing features of phylum Mollusca

Give the main distinguishing features of phylum Mollusca.

Answer:
Followirlg are the main distinguishing features of phylum Mollusca:

  • The animal shows bilateral symmetry.
  • They have soft bodies, so they are also called soft bodied animals.
  • Body is segmented and divided into head, foot and visceral mass.
  • A glandular fold, the mantle, is present over the body.
  • There is a calcareous shell around the body in some molluscs.
  • They have open circulatory system.
  • Kidney-like organs for excretion are present.
    Examples: Pila, Sepia, octopus.