Sea Slugs

SEO Title: Sea Slugs: Marine Molluscs, Biodiversity, Defence Mechanisms and Ecology

Category: Environment & Ecology | Zoology | Marine Biodiversity

UPSC Notes

Sea slugs are marine gastropod molluscs, many of which have highly specialised feeding and defence mechanisms.

Key Pointers

  • Belong to Mollusca.

  • Generally classified within Gastropoda.

  • Many lack an external shell as adults.

  • Examples include:

    • Nudibranchs

    • Sea hares

  • Many species display striking colours.

  • Colouration may provide:

    • Camouflage

    • Warning signals

    • Mimicry

  • Some species can obtain or retain chemical or defensive compounds from their food.

  • Important components of marine ecosystems.

Prelims Focus: Sea slugs → Mollusca → Gastropoda → marine organisms.