Habitat and Adaptations

One of the most widespread and successful forms of life, mollusca has managed to make a living in all but a few places. Mollusks can be found in every part of the oceans, from the deep trenches to the shallows, the arctic to the equator. They also adapted to live on land, though not as extensively and in water. Snails, as well as a smaller number of other mollusks, can be found in large numbers in the rainforest canopies, but can also be seen in your backyard. One land type which mollusks have not been able to invade yet are the deserts. Their skin is very moist and requires the presence of water, or else it dessicates. To stop this unpleasant death, land dwelling snail have a thick layer of skin at the opening of their shell which keeps moisture inside. The snails also produce a coat of slime or mucus which stops it from being dried out.