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Opisthobranchia
This scientific name is not yet recognized in our classification database.


By Phil Myers and John B. Burch

The opisthobranchs include the sea slugs and their relatives the sea hares, sea butterflies, canoe shells, and others. The bodies of most member of this group show evidence of detorsion. Shells may or may not be present; if present they may be reduced and/or internally located. Opisthobranchs usually lack a mantle cavity, and they also usually have no operculum. Many species lack gills and respiration takes place through the skin, which may bear numerous projections and folds that increase the area for gas exchange. The head bears 1-2 pairs of tentacles.

This diverse group of organisms is divided into around nine orders. There is some disagreement about whether these form a monophyletic group.

Source :

Hickman, C.P. and L. S. Roberts. 1994. Animal Diversity. Wm. C. Brown, Dubuque, IA.

Brusca, R. C., and G. J. Brusca. Invertebrates. 1990. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA.

Contributors

Phil Myers (author), Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, John B. Burch (author), Mollusk Division, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan.

To cite this page: Myers, P. and J. Burch 2001. "" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed February 13, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/.html

Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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