mollusca

USAGE SUMMARY

"mollusca" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large group of invertebrates, typically having a soft, unsegmented body and a shell. For example: "There are around 85,000 species of mollusca in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A coelom also is present in some more distantly related phyla, including Annelida, Arthropoda, and Mollusca, but the main organs of the body are arranged differently in these phyla.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ammonoid, also called ammonite, any of a group of extinct cephalopods (of the phylum Mollusca), forms related to the modern pearly nautilus (Nautilus), that are frequently found as fossils in marine rocks dating from the Devonian Period (began 419 million years ago) to the Cretaceous Period (ended 66 million years ago).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phylum Mollusca also underwent significant adaptive radiation during the Cambrian, with the appearance of the classes Monoplacophora, Gastropoda, Pelecypoda (synonymous with Bivalvia), Cephalopoda, Polyplacophora, Rostroconchia, Hyolitha, and Stenothecoida.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The animals in the phylum Mollusca (e.g., clams, snails, and squid) display a diversity of reproductive behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Forbes was appointed professor of natural history to the Royal School of Mines in 1851 and completed publication of his History of British Mollusca (4 vol).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gastropods (of the phylum Mollusca) also associate with cnidarians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The approximately 600 species are usually placed in the class Placophora, Polyplacophora, or Loricata (phylum Mollusca).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phylum Mollusca includes the gastropods (snails, slugs, and periwinkles), bivalves (clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops), cephalopods (octopods and squids), and other, smaller classes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bivalve (class Bivalvia), any of more than 15,000 species of clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, and other members of the phylum Mollusca characterized by a shell that is divided from front to back into left and right valves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the phylum Mollusca (clams, snails, oysters, mollusks, octopuses, and squids), gills add another more efficient channel for waste disposal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At least 11 extant animal phyla (Annelida, Arthropoda, Brachiopoda, Chordata, Ctenophora, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, Mollusca, Onychophora [velvet worms], Porifera, and Priapulida), including most of those with a fossil record, first appear in Cambrian rocks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "mollusca", provide context to clarify the specific species or characteristics being discussed, enhancing clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "mollusca" interchangeably with broader terms like "shellfish". "Mollusca" is a specific phylum, while "shellfish" can include crustaceans and echinoderms.

Linguistic Context

The term "mollusca" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a biological term referring to a phylum of invertebrate animals. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in scientific classification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

32%

News & Media

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mollusca" correctly identifies a phylum of invertebrate animals, including well-known creatures like snails, clams, and squids. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable word in written English, primarily functioning as a noun. The primary contexts where "mollusca" appears are encyclopedias, scientific literature, and news media, indicating a formal and scientific register. To avoid errors, it's essential to use "mollusca" accurately in taxonomic discussions and refrain from using it interchangeably with the broader term "shellfish". When writing about "mollusca", specificity and context are key to clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mollusk phylum

Specifies the taxonomic rank of mollusca.

molluscan species

Refers to specific types within the mollusca.

members of mollusca

Describes individual organisms belonging to the mollusca group.

phylum mollusca

Explicitly states the phylum classification.

molluscan class

Indicates a subgroup within mollusca.

mollusk family

Designates a further taxonomic division within the mollusca.

shellfish group

A broader term encompassing mollusca along with other shelled aquatic invertebrates.

cephalopod class

Specifies one class within the phylum mollusca.

gastropod class

Denotes another class within the phylum mollusca.

bivalve class

Refers to a distinct class of mollusca with bivalve shells.

FAQs

How is "mollusca" classified in biology?

"Mollusca" refers to a phylum of invertebrate animals characterized by a soft body, often enclosed in a shell. Prominent examples include snails, clams, and squids.

What are some examples of animals classified as "mollusca"?

Examples of "mollusca" include gastropods (snails and slugs), bivalves (clams, oysters, and mussels), and cephalopods (squids and octopuses).

How does "mollusca" differ from other marine life?

"Mollusca" are distinguished by their unique body plan, which typically includes a mantle, a muscular foot, and often a shell, differing from crustaceans or echinoderms.

Is it correct to use the term "shellfish" when referring to "mollusca"?

While some "mollusca" are shellfish, the term "shellfish" is broader and includes crustaceans and other shelled aquatic invertebrates. It is more accurate to use the term "mollusca" when specifically referring to animals within that phylum.