Classification of snails
There is a range of more than 60,000 to 75,000 known species of snails, grouped into several families and genera. At a basic level, snails can be classified into land, marine and freshwater snails, based on their habitat. Within each category there is an incredible diversity of species, each with its own unique adaptation to the environment in which it lives.
The land snails, including the Helix Aspersa or common garden snail, have a pulmonary respiratory system, meaning they breathe air. The sea snails such as the Conus, known for its potentially deadly venom, and freshwater snails such as the Pomacea Bridgesii, also known as the golden apple or Inca Snail, have gills and can breathe underwater.
Habitat and distribution
Snails are found in a variety of environments throughout the world. They generally look for humid habitats that satisfy your water needs and prevent dehydration. However, depending on their category, they adapt to different environmental conditions.
The land snails They are found in a range of environments, from gardens and forests to desert regions. The freshwater snails They live in ponds, lakes and rivers, while the sea snails They adorn both the surface and deep waters of the sea.
Anatomy and physical characteristics
The most recognizable feature of a snail is its spiral shell. It is made up of the same protein that is part of human nails and continues to grow as the snail grows. Inside, snails have a complex organ system that includes a heart, digestive system, reproductive organs and, in the case of land snails, a lung.
In addition, snails have a muscular foot that helps them move and tentacles on their head, which can be two or four, depending on the species, and which contain the snail's sense organs.
Behavior and habits of snails
Snails are primarily nocturnal creatures and prefer humid conditions, staying hidden during the day to avoid dehydration. They are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of a variety of plants, although some snails are also omnivorous or even carnivorous.
Snails are cold-blooded animals and are therefore less active in colder climates. During the winter, snails enter a state of hibernation and during very hot summers, they may aestivate to escape the heat.
Reproduction of snails
Many snails are hermaphrodites, that is, they have both male and female reproductive organs. Although they can self-pollinate, most tend to look for partners to exchange sperm. Fertilization occurs internally, and then, depending on the species, the eggs may be laid in soil, in water, or even carried in a 'brood pouch' in the snail's shell.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that snails have a variety of natural predators, from birds to mammals and reptiles. However, perhaps its greatest threat comes from human intervention, whether through habitat destruction or over-harvesting.
