Munditia tryphenensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Munditia tryphenensis |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Vetigastropoda
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| Superfamily: |
Trochoidea
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| Family: |
Liotiidae
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| Subfamily: |
Liotiinae
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| Genus: |
Munditia
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| Species: |
M. tryphenensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Munditia tryphenensis (Powell, 1926)
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| Synonyms | |
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Liotina tryphenensis Powell, 1926 |
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Munditia tryphenensis is a tiny sea snail. It is a type of gastropod mollusc that lives in the ocean. This small creature belongs to the family called Liotiidae.
Contents
What is Munditia tryphenensis?
Munditia tryphenensis is a very small snail. It lives in the ocean, usually on the seabed. Like other sea snails, it has a shell that protects its soft body. These snails are part of a huge group of animals called molluscs.
Tiny Ocean Dwellers
These snails are often called "minute" because they are so small. You might need a magnifying glass to see them clearly! They spend their lives crawling on rocks or plants under the sea. They are an important part of the ocean's ecosystem.
Where Does This Snail Live?
This special sea snail lives only in one place. It is found in the waters around New Zealand. Specifically, it lives near the North Island of New Zealand.
An Endemic Species
When an animal or plant lives only in one specific area, it is called an endemic species. Munditia tryphenensis is endemic to New Zealand. This means you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world! New Zealand is famous for having many unique animals and plants.
What Are Gastropods?
Munditia tryphenensis is a gastropod. Gastropods are a large group of molluscs. This group includes all snails and slugs. They can live on land, in fresh water, or in the ocean.
How Gastropods Move
The word "gastropod" means "stomach-foot." This is because these animals move using a large, muscular foot. This foot is located on the underside of their body. They glide along surfaces, leaving a trail of slime behind them.
What Do Sea Snails Eat?
Most sea snails are scavengers or herbivores. This means they either eat dead things or plants. Some sea snails graze on algae that grows on rocks. Others might filter tiny bits of food from the water.
Life in the Ocean
Sea snails play a role in keeping the ocean clean. By eating algae or decaying matter, they help recycle nutrients. They are also a food source for other marine animals.
See Also
- In Spanish: Munditia tryphenensis para niños
