Campeloma decisum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campeloma decisum |
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| A shell and an operculum of Campeloma decisum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
informal group Architaenioglossa |
| Superfamily: |
Viviparoidea
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| Family: |
Viviparidae
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| Genus: |
Campeloma
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| Species: |
C. decisum
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| Binomial name | |
| Campeloma decisum (Say, 1817)
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The pointed campeloma (scientific name: Campeloma decisum) is a type of freshwater snail. It lives in water and belongs to a group of animals called mollusks. This snail has a special lid called an operculum that can close its shell opening. It is part of the Viviparidae family, which are often called river snails.
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What is the Pointed Campeloma?
The pointed campeloma is a common snail found in freshwater habitats. It gets its name from the slightly pointed shape of its shell. These snails are important members of their underwater communities.
Appearance of the Snail
The shell of the pointed campeloma is usually smooth and can be yellowish, greenish, or brownish. It has a cone shape that ends in a slightly pointed tip. The shell can grow up to about 2.5 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
The Operculum: A Protective Lid
One cool feature of this snail is its operculum. This is a hard, round plate attached to the snail's foot. When the snail pulls its body into its shell, the operculum acts like a door. It seals the opening, protecting the snail from predators and from drying out if water levels drop.
Where Does This Snail Live?
Pointed campelomas live in many different freshwater places. You can find them in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. They prefer areas with slow-moving water and soft bottoms made of mud, sand, or silt. They are often found in the Great Lakes region of North America.
What Do Pointed Campelomas Eat?
These snails are mostly detritivores and grazers. This means they eat tiny bits of decaying plants and animals that settle on the bottom. They also graze on algae and other small organisms that grow on rocks and plants underwater. They help keep the water clean by eating these materials.
How Do They Reproduce?
Unlike many snails that lay eggs, pointed campelomas give birth to live young. This is why they are called "viviparous" snails, which means "live-bearing." The mother snail carries the developing young inside her body. When the baby snails are ready, they emerge as tiny, fully formed snails. This method of reproduction helps the young snails survive better in their freshwater environment.
Role in the Ecosystem
Pointed campelomas play an important role in their habitats. They help break down organic matter, which recycles nutrients in the water. They also serve as a food source for many other animals, such as fish, birds, and other invertebrates. Their presence often indicates a healthy freshwater ecosystem.
