Image
Molluscs
Mollusc Videos
Animation
Behavior
- Image
Lesson Plan
Phylum Mollusca: Macroevolution ModuleThrough a sequence of “explore-before-explain” laboratory investigations, coupled with segments from the Shape of Life videos, students study molluscs in the present and their long evolutionary history. The module includes those listed below, which can also stand alone.Full Lesson Plan
- Image
Factsheet
Molluscs: Beauty and DiversityThe diversity of molluscs shows how a fleshy soft body plan can evolve into a variety of forms.Download Factsheet
- Image
Reading
Molluscs: Armor and Speed, the Survival Game"As the tide rises, the closed molluscs opens a fraction to the ocean's food, bathed in its riches. Do not ask what force would do, or if force could. A knife is no use against a fortress."Download Reading
Features
Creature
Nautilus
Almost everyone is familiar with the shape and design of a chambered nautilus. But most people don’t know that nautiluses are cephalopods. In fact they’re very ancient cephalopods – so ancient that they’re often called living fossils
Nautilus
Almost everyone is familiar with the shape and design of a chambered nautilus. But most people don’t know that nautiluses are cephalopods. In fact they’re very ancient cephalopods – so ancient that they’re often called living fossils
Image
Scientist
George Waldbusser Professor, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
Working to measure and counterattack the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish.
George Waldbusser Professor, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
Working to measure and counterattack the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish.
Image
Did You Know?
Chambered Nautilus Threatened by Ornamental Shell Trade
You might have seen chambered nautilus shells for sale at curio, shell and jewelry shops. People buy these for decoration in their homes or for wearing. But the ornamental shell trade threatens nautilus populations
Chambered Nautilus Threatened by Ornamental Shell Trade
You might have seen chambered nautilus shells for sale at curio, shell and jewelry shops. People buy these for decoration in their homes or for wearing. But the ornamental shell trade threatens nautilus populations
Image
Shape of Life Blog
Cephalopod Ink
Cephalopods use ink to avoid predation: they ink and jet away under cover of the ink, creating a “smoke screen.” This move is often followed by unpredictable escape moves.
Cephalopod Ink
Cephalopods use ink to avoid predation: they ink and jet away under cover of the ink, creating a “smoke screen.” This move is often followed by unpredictable escape moves.
Image
