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Bivalvia

Polyplacophora

Mytilus spp

Siliqua patula

Cryptochiton stelleri

Species List

Sources

Student pages

Class Polyplacophora

Introduction to chitons

Chitons are small and often easy to overlook. However, there are several distinct features, including:

• Dorsally flattened^2,3
• Eight overlapping shells (plates)^2,3
• Modified foot used for attaching to substrates⁵

Life History

Habitat:

• All are marine⁴
• Lives in shallow water³
• Lives on hard substrates^2,3

Feeding and Respiration:

• Radula is used to scrape algae from hard surfaces³
• Gas exchange done through paired gills³

Lococomotion:

• Moves by muscle contraction in foot⁵

Reproduction:

• Most spawn in open water, some brood^2,3