A natural predator of the crown-of-thorns sea star is a mollusc called the Giant Triton, Charonia tritonis. If the triton uses a radula to saw into the sea star, then to which clade should the triton belong?
A) chitons
B) bivalves
C) gastropods
D) cephalopods

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radula is a unique feeding structure found only in gastropods, such as snails and slugs. Chitons and bivalves do not have this structure, whereas cephalopods possess a modified version known as a beak. Therefore, the natural predator of the crown-of-thorns sea star, the Giant Triton, should belong to the clade of gastropods.

A Natural Predator of the Crown-Of-Thorns Sea Star Is a Mollusc