Mixed gastropod fossils specimen from the miocene period in france
The gastropods, more commonly recognized as snails and slugs, are a diverse group of animals that belong to the class Gastropoda, which falls under the phylum Mollusca. Mollusks are a large group of invertebrates that also include animals like clams, octopuses, and squids. What sets gastropods apart within this group is their distinct body structure and unique mode of locomotion.
Gastropods are characterized by a muscular foot, which they use for movement, and most possess a spirally coiled shell (as in snails), although some, like slugs, either have a reduced shell or none at all. One of their defining features is a process called torsion, a developmental phenomenon in which the animal's body twists 180 degrees during growth, bringing the anus and mantle cavity to a position above the head.
This class is incredibly diverse, both in form and in habitat. Gastropods are found in marine (saltwater), freshwater, and terrestrial (land) environments, making them one of the most ecologically widespread groups of animals on Earth. In marine environments, they range from small tidepool snails to deep-sea species. In freshwater, they often inhabit ponds, rivers, and lakes. On land, snails and slugs are common in forests, gardens, and even deserts.
With over 60,000 to 80,000 described species (and many more undiscovered or unclassified), gastropods represent the largest class within the Mollusca phylum. Their adaptability, varied diets (herbivorous, carnivorous, detritivorous), and range of reproductive strategies have contributed to their evolutionary success across a wide array of ecosystems.
8 x 13 x 6 cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price. Many thanks.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty
The gastropods, more commonly recognized as snails and slugs, are a diverse group of animals that belong to the class Gastropoda, which falls under the phylum Mollusca. Mollusks are a large group of invertebrates that also include animals like clams, octopuses, and squids. What sets gastropods apart within this group is their distinct body structure and unique mode of locomotion.
Gastropods are characterized by a muscular foot, which they use for movement, and most possess a spirally coiled shell (as in snails), although some, like slugs, either have a reduced shell or none at all. One of their defining features is a process called torsion, a developmental phenomenon in which the animal's body twists 180 degrees during growth, bringing the anus and mantle cavity to a position above the head.
This class is incredibly diverse, both in form and in habitat. Gastropods are found in marine (saltwater), freshwater, and terrestrial (land) environments, making them one of the most ecologically widespread groups of animals on Earth. In marine environments, they range from small tidepool snails to deep-sea species. In freshwater, they often inhabit ponds, rivers, and lakes. On land, snails and slugs are common in forests, gardens, and even deserts.
With over 60,000 to 80,000 described species (and many more undiscovered or unclassified), gastropods represent the largest class within the Mollusca phylum. Their adaptability, varied diets (herbivorous, carnivorous, detritivorous), and range of reproductive strategies have contributed to their evolutionary success across a wide array of ecosystems.
8 x 13 x 6 cm
All items are sensitively and minimally cleaned
Any questions please don't hesitate to drop me a message. I am very happy to pass on any additional information, or images you may need, if you are interested in more than one item I can arrange a combined postage price. Many thanks.
All items will be packaged using recycled or reused materials to help minimise any environmental impact.
Please be aware that you are purchasing a vintage item. We mention any obvious defects to the glass such as chips, cracks, etc. in our description but there may also be minor manufacturing faults eg. marks from the mould, straw marks and air bubbles, which is normal for glass of this era.
Just a quick note to all our American customers, we are up to speed on all the new import tariff changes, please feel confident with continuing to order from us, with Royal Mail any excess tariff charges are paid at point of purchase, this insures our customers have no nasty customs costs, we are here to answering any questions you may have, thank you, Kirsty