Slugs

Slugs are soft-bodied, shell-less creatures that belong to the class Gastropoda, which also includes snails. They are members of the phylum Mollusca and are closely related to other mollusks such as clams, oysters, and squid. Slugs are terrestrial gastropods, meaning they live on land, and are found in a variety of habitats including gardens, forests, and urban areas.

Slugs move by secreting mucus that allows them to glide along surfaces. They are herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plant material including leaves, stems, and fruits. These creatures play an important role in ecosystems as decomposers, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Slugs have a fascinating life cycle, starting as eggs laid in moist environments. They go through a series of developmental stages before reaching adulthood. Some species of slugs are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs, while others have separate sexes and undergo mating to reproduce.

Slugs Study Guide

1. What is the classification of slugs?

Slugs belong to the class Gastropoda within the phylum Mollusca.

2. Where do slugs live?

Slugs are terrestrial gastropods, meaning they live on land, and are found in a variety of habitats including gardens, forests, and urban areas.

3. How do slugs move?

Slugs move by secreting mucus that allows them to glide along surfaces.

4. What do slugs eat?

Slugs are herbivorous and feed on a wide range of plant material including leaves, stems, and fruits.

5. What role do slugs play in ecosystems?

Slugs play an important role in ecosystems as decomposers, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

6. Describe the life cycle of a slug.

Slugs start as eggs laid in moist environments and go through a series of developmental stages before reaching adulthood. Some species of slugs are hermaphroditic, while others have separate sexes and undergo mating to reproduce.

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