Radula facts for kids
The radula is like a special tongue found in the mouth of most molluscs. Think of it as a ribbon covered with tiny, sharp teeth! Unlike our tongues, which help us taste and speak, the radula is used by molluscs to cut and chew their food. It's made of a tough material called chitin, which is similar to what insect shells are made of.
You'll find a radula in almost all molluscs, except for bivalves like clams and oysters. And here's a cool fact: only molluscs have a radula! It's a unique tool for them.
Contents
How Molluscs Use Their Radula
Different molluscs use their radula in different ways to get their food. This amazing tool helps them survive in many environments.
Snails and Slugs
Many gastropods, which include snails and slugs, use their radula to scrape tiny algae and other microscopic food off rocks and surfaces. It's like a tiny grater! They move the radula back and forth, collecting food particles.
Squid and Octopuses
Squid and octopuses are predators. They use their radula to cut up their prey into smaller pieces before swallowing. Their radula teeth can be very strong and sharp, perfect for tearing meat.
Other Uses
Some molluscs, like cone snails, have a modified radula that acts like a harpoon. They can inject venom into their prey, which helps them catch food. This shows how versatile the radula can be!
Images for kids
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Radula and individual tooth of the predatory ghost slug, Selenochlamys ysbryda
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Microscopic detail of a docoglossan radula showing the denticles or teeth
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Tracks made by terrestrial gastropods with their radulas, scraping green algae from a surface inside a greenhouse
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Upper right: Mouth of a Planorbarius corneus freshwater snail with the radula visible.
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Radula (magn. 400x) of the gray garden slug (Deroceras laeve) showing the chitinous lingual ribbons with numerous inward-pointing denticles
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Radular teeth of the squid Illex illecebrosus
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See also
In Spanish: Rádula para niños
