Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Polyplacophora

 

Norwegian: leddsnegler

(Leksvik - The Trondheim fjord / 12 meters / 4.08.2001)

The chitons have been around a lot longer than the humans. They have not changed significantly for the last 500 million years. On their back there are 8 transverse shell plates with light sensitive organs. With a powerful foot they suck their bodies tight to the ground. This make them well adapted to a life in the tidal zone. They are not swept away by the waves and are able to keep humidity underneath the shell while waiting for the tidal rise.