Question

What is the function of radula? Give the name of the group of molluscs which do not possess radula.

Answer 1

The radula is unique to the molluscs, and is found in every class of mollusc except the bivalves, who use instead cilia, waving filaments that bring minute organisms to the mouth. Within the gastropods, the radula is used in feeding by both herbivorous and carnivorous snails and slugs.

Answer 2

The function of radula:

• The radula is a specific organ present in the members of phylum Mollusca that helps in the grinding of food before ingestion. This is a saw-like toothed organ that grinds the food, tears the food particle into finer particles before ingestion of that food.
• This greatly increases the surface area of the food, thereby increasing the efficiency of action of enzymes and digestion. All the classes of Mollusca have this radula except only one class. That class is on Class Bivalvia. This class uses the cilia instead of radula for the pushing of food particles into gastrointestinal tract.