Squeaks found some interesting animals in the garden: a snail and a slug! Even though they are different animals, they have a lot in common. Let’s explore what makes them similar and different!
Both snails and slugs have long bodies without legs. They move using a big muscle on the bottom of their body called a foot. This foot stretches out and pulls the animal along, just like our feet help us walk.
Another similarity is their eyes. Both snails and slugs have eyes on long stalks that can stretch out and wiggle around. Imagine seeing the world with eyes on stalks!
These animals are also very slimy. They are covered in a special slime called mucus, similar to the boogers in your nose. This mucus helps them stay wet and avoid drying out. It also helps them stick to surfaces like walls, tree trunks, or rocks, leaving a slime trail behind.
The main difference between snails and slugs is that snails have a hard shell on their back. Snails carry their shells everywhere and can hide inside them for protection. Slugs, on the other hand, don’t have shells. They protect themselves by hiding under rocks or logs and can sometimes move faster without the heavy shell.
Snails and slugs belong to a big group of animals called gastropods. There are over 65,000 kinds of gastropods, each unique in its way! For example, the Australian Trumpet Snail is the biggest snail in the world, growing up to almost a meter long and weighing as much as a small dog.
Some sea slugs, called nudibranchs, are known for their bright colors, which help them stand out and attract others. Banana slugs are another type of land slug, yellow with brown spots, resembling a banana. They use their special mucus to avoid drying out and can even breathe through their skin!
Snails and slugs are fascinating creatures with many similarities and some key differences. They are all part of the same big family of gastropods, leading unique and interesting lives. Thanks for joining us on this adventure with Squeaks!
If you enjoyed learning about snails and slugs, make sure to check out more fun videos with Squeaks on SciShow Kids!
Snail and Slug Hunt: Go on a mini-adventure in your garden or local park to find snails and slugs. Take a notebook and draw what you see. Can you spot the differences and similarities between them? Remember to be gentle and put them back where you found them!
Make Your Own Slime Trail: Create your own “slime” using a simple mixture of cornstarch and water. Try spreading it on a piece of paper and see how it feels to touch. Imagine how snails and slugs use their slime to move and stick to surfaces. How does it help them in their daily life?
Imagine Life with Eye Stalks: Pretend you have eyes on stalks like snails and slugs. How would your day be different? Draw a picture of yourself with eye stalks and write a short story about what you might see or do differently.
