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Introduction to the Scaphopoda
- English
URL: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mollusca/scaphs/scaphopoda.html
The Scaphopoda are a distinctive group of molluscs commonly known as the "tusk shells" because their shells are conical and slightly curved to the dorsal side, making the shells look like
tiny tusks (see the photos below). The scientific name Scaphopoda means "shovel foot", a term that refers to the "head" of the animal, which lacks eyes and is used for burrowing in
marine mud and sediments. The most distinctive feature of scaphopods is that the tubular shell is open at both ends, not just one end as in most molluscs. [ eng ] |

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Class Scaphopoda
- English
URL: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/mollusca/scaphopoda.html
The scaphopods, or tusk shells, are a small group of marine forms (around 350 species are known). They are sedentary animals with a slender, tubular shell open at both ends. The
mantle cavity is large, and the mantle wraps around the viscera to form a tube. Scaphopods have a well-developed foot located at the large end of the shell. The foot is used for
burrowing. Club-like tentacles also extend from the large end of the shell. A radula is present; the head is rudimentary; and eyes are lacking. There is no heart. [ eng ] |

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