A similar series of insertion plates may be attached to the convex anterior border of the cephalic plate or the convex posterior border of the anal plate. All chitons bear a protective dorsal shell that is divided into eight articulating aragonite valves embedded in the tough muscular girdle that surrounds the chiton's body. [2] Underneath the body of the chiton, there is a large foot which spans its total length. Chitons are mobile and contract their muscular foot in waves to move about. [citation needed], Chitons have a relatively good fossil record, stretching back to the Cambrian,[1][2] with the genus Preacanthochiton, known from fossils found in Late Cambrian deposits in Missouri, being classified as the earliest known polyplacophoran. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The chiton is a small, oval shell that is found attached to rocks on the shore. A.H. & A.W. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Do Chitons Have Brains? Among the cephalopods the giant squids ( Architeuthis ), the largest living invertebrates, attain a body length of eight metres (more than 26 feet); with the tentacle arms extended, the total length reaches to 22 metres. Experimental work has suggested that chitons can detect and respond to magnetism.[33]. They are found in intertidal and subtidal zones around the world. Chiton sexes are separate, the eggs and sperm being shed into the water where fertilization takes place. When doing so, they cling hard to the ground with their powerful foot, supported by the sturdy girdle. Most chiton species inhabit intertidal or sub tidal zones, and do not extend beyond the photic zone. After a chiton dies, the individual valves which make up the eight-part shell come apart because the girdle is no longer holding them together, and then the plates sometimes wash up in beach drift. arrow_forward Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates arrow_forward Give three differences between Petromyzon and ammocoetes? Third, they have a radula (a rasping tongue-like organ) instead of a typical snail's tongue. Cat Sharks: A Closer Look at the Fascinating Species, Exploring the Mysterious World of the Chambered Nautilus. Yes, some chitons can survive in air for a significant period of time. Following are a few of the ways that marine organisms have adapted their physical features to suit a particular habitat. These eyes are located on the eiht plates that make up the chiton's shell. The girdle is often ornamented with spicules, bristles, hairy tufts, spikes, or snake-like scales. A: Abdominal legs of crustaceans are called as pleopods. arrow_forward Annelids are also known as ringed worms. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. We believe that family edutainment should be engaging, inspiring and always on trend so that every member of the family can benefit from it! Chitons tend to hide in crevices and underneath boulders, and are well camouflaged among the surrounding rocks. The gumboot chiton is the largest chiton in the world. Chitons have no eyes in their head, but they can see through their shells using minute sensory organs called aesthetes, not found in any other group of animals. The Ancient Greek word khitn can be traced to the Central Semitic word *kittan, which is from the Akkadian words kit or kita'um, meaning flax or linen, and originally the Sumerian word gada or gida.