Mollusks are a diverse group of invertebrates that have various diets depending on their species and habitat. Generally, mollusks can be categorized into three main eating habits: herbivores, carnivores, and detritivores.
Herbivorous mollusks, such as many types of snails, primarily feed on algae, aquatic plants, and other vegetation. They often have specialized mouthparts like radulas that help them scrape food off surfaces.
Carnivorous mollusks, like octopuses and some types of clams, prey on small fish, crustaceans, or other mollusks. They use various techniques to capture their prey, from active hunting to ambushing.
Detritivores, on the other hand, include species that consume decomposing organic matter. They play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients back into the environment.
Overall, the diet of a mollusk is largely influenced by its environment and adaptation, making them a fascinating subject of study in marine biology.