Myalinida

Myalinida is a taxonomic order of marine gastropod mollusks. These snails are characterized by their coiled shells, which are typically calcareous and secreted by the mantle. They belong to the class Gastropoda, which also includes slugs, limpets, and other snails. Myalinida are found in diverse marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deeper oceanic regions. Their diet varies depending on the species, with some being herbivores, others carnivores, and some detritivores. Reproduction in Myalinida is typically sexual, with most species having separate sexes, though some are hermaphroditic. The larval stage is planktonic, contributing to their dispersal. This order is part of the broader superorder Heterobranchia, which encompasses a wide array of gastropod forms. While not as widely known as some other marine mollusk groups, Myalinida represents a significant component of marine biodiversity, playing roles in their respective ecosystems as prey, predators, and contributors to sediment dynamics. Research into Myalinida often focuses on their shell morphology, evolutionary relationships within Gastropoda, and ecological interactions.