Snails and slugs belong to which group of animals?

Snails and slugs are classified as mollusks, which is a large and diverse group of invertebrates known for their soft bodies and, in many cases, a hard shell. Mollusks are characterized by having a body that is typically divided into three main parts: the head-foot, the visceral mass, and the mantle. This biological classification places them within a phylum distinct from other animal groups.

Mollusks encompass various species, including those that are herbivorous, carnivorous, or even scavengers. Snails and slugs predominantly belong to the class Gastropoda, which is a significant subgroup of mollusks. While snails may mainly feed on plant material and be considered herbivores, slugs can exhibit varied feeding behaviors, including some that consume decaying organic matter.

The terms herbivores and carnivores refer specifically to dietary habits, which does not accurately reflect the classification of snails and slugs as a group. Phagaphores is not a recognized biological classification and does not apply to these animals. Thus, categorizing snails and slugs as mollusks provides an accurate and scientifically supported classification aligning with their biological characteristics.