#spiralia

Strombidae. This family is made up of true conches, which have long eye-stalks and move in a leaping motion, and are used by humans as food, or their shells for decoration.

Conidae. This family is made up of cone snails, which hunt prey by launching their tooth from their mouth like a harpoon and injecting them with venom.

Lessons on Parasitism from the Curious Dicyemida

Research in Genome Biology and Evolution has looked to the “decidedly curious” Dicyemida in attempt to answer an important question: how has parasitism evolved?

Found in the renal sacs of both squid and octopus, this microscopic organism derives nutrients from the host’s urine and has been categorised within the group Spiralia, along with flatworms and molluscs.

Using sequencing technologies to analyse the genome of Dicyemida, researchers sought to provide further insight into this “odd organism” and revealed that, like other parasites, it has a reduced genome, with only ~5,000 genes.

Sepiida. This order is made up of cuttlefish, which have an internal shell called the cuttlebone that is used to control buoyancy.

Nautilida. This order is made up of nautilis, which have a unique planispiral shell, and move via jet propulsion. They're morphologically veyr similar to their ancient relatives, and are often called living fossils.

Octopoda. This order is made up of octopuses, predatory marine creatures with eight limbs. Their soft body allows them to squeeze trhough small spaces. They are capable of camouflage and are among the most intelligent animals.

Nautilida. This order is made up of nautilis, which have a unique planispiral shell, and move via jet propulsion. They're morphologically veyr similar to their ancient relatives, and are often called living fossils.

Polyplacophora. This class is made up of chitons, marine creatures that live under rocks. Their shells are made up of eight plates, protecting them while also allowing them to flex upwards or curl into a ball.

Pteriomorphia. This subclass is made up of bivalves with large gills used for feeding and rudimentary photoreceptors. Memebrs include mussels, scallops, oysters and pen shells

Eunicida. This order of benthic marine worms includes the Bobbit Worm aka the sand-striker

Phyllodocida. This order of marine worms are mostly benthic, but some, like the Gossamer worm, live in the open ocean

Octopoda. This order is made up of octopuses, predatory marine creatures with eight limbs. Their soft body allows them to squeeze trhough small spaces. They are capable of camouflage and are among the most intelligent animals.

Oegopsida. This order is made up of squid that have no tentacle pockets in their heads, and may have hooks on their tentacles. Members include the glass squid and the giant squid.