Classification
Kingdom- Anamalia
Phylum- Mollusca
Class-
Gastropoda
Order-
Neotaenioglossa
Family-
Pleuroceridae
Genus-
Pleurocera
Species- Pleurocera
acuta
(Benson 2011)
Organisms in the Anamalia kingdom are classified
by a multi-cellular, eukaryotic body type. They are
separated from plants because they do not posses a
cell wall or practice photosynthesis (Hickman,
2009).
Mollusks are eucoelomates that are characterized by the
presence of a radula, which
is a feeding organ used for scraping food and in some cases harpooning prey
(Strong, 2005). They also
posses a mantle, visceral mass, and muscular foot.
Mollusks have an open circulatory system that circulates
hemolymph "blood" through various sinuses of the body
(Hickman,
2009).
Gastropods are one of the most diverse classes known. Some
common characteristics are their well developed head, torsional
body layout and presence of a shell
(Hickman, 2009). They are also well known for having a
muscular foot on their ventral side that is used for locomotion.
In fact, Gastropod in Greek means "stomach- foot"
(Woodland Park Zoo, 2011).
The shell of gastropod is characterized by torsion.
Torsion is the twisting of the internal body so that the
anus is located anterior to the head
(Hickman, 2009). This adaptive
characteristic allows for the gastropods to increase protection
by only having one opening in their shell.
Pleurocera acuta belongs to the subgroup of Gastropods
known as Prosobranchia. This group is characterized by the
presence of gills and an operculum
(Hickman, 2009).
Pleurocera is the genus name that contains Pleurocera acuta.
Snails in this genus and species are characterized by being called horn
snails due to the coiled whorl shape and strength of their
shells (Dazo, 1965).
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