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Mollusks are a diverse phylum of invertebrate animals, encompassing a wide range of species found both on land and in aquatic environments. They are characterized by their soft bodies, typically protected by a hard shell made of calcium carbonate. This shell can take various forms, from the spiral shape of snails to the two-part shells of clams. Mollusks have a distinct head region, often bearing sensory organs such as eyes and tentacles, and a muscular foot that they use for movement and attachment to surfaces. They have a complex digestive system with a radula, a rasping organ used for grinding food. Mollusks play important roles in marine and terrestrial ecosystems as scavengers, filter feeders, and predators. Examples of mollusks include snails, clams, oysters, squids, and octopuses.