The name snail applies to most members of the molluscan
Class Gastropoda that have coiled shells. Other gastropods,
which lack a conspicuous shell, are commonly called slugs,
and are scattered throughout groups that primarily include
snails. Snails are found in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial
environments. While most people are familiar with only
terrestrial snails, the majority of snails are not terrestrial.
Snails with lungs belong to the group Pulmonata, while
those with gills belong to the Snails move like worms
by alternating body contractions with stretching, with
a proverbially low speed (hence the term snail mail for
postal services).
|
