2006-11-07 05:57:07 · 12 answers · asked by alicia n 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
No, they grow their own shells which grow with them.
2006-11-07 06:00:36 · answer #1 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An empty snail shell means a dead snail. A snail is permanently attached to its shell by muscles, which when contracted, pull the snail back into the shell for protection. The snail enlarges its shell as it grows, using a specialized organ called the mantle, which concentrates calcium salts from the snail's diet, and deposits them along the outer lip of the shell (the thin edge around the opening of the shell). A snail's shell will often show lines of growth, parallel to the lip, indicating periods when new shell material was being deposited. The only time a snail ever leaves its shell is after death, when the soft parts of the animal decompose. This is true of snails that live on land, in fresh water, and in the ocean.
2006-11-07 16:47:00 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they build their own shells with secretions from their body. The larger the shell the older the snail is.
2006-11-07 13:58:47 · answer #3 · answered by Blue Jean 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
A snails shell grows as it gets older just as the shell of a clam would, or a tip of a rattlesnakes' "rattle".
Think of it like an extra long toenail that isn't cut. (except it's protecting the snail's squishy body).
2006-11-07 14:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by Kabi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, the snail has a thing inside it and it makes the shell actually grow because it like spreads goo on it. I heard it somewhere.
2006-11-07 14:14:05 · answer #5 · answered by erin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope.
They secrete the neccessary proteins to expand their houses as they grow.
2006-11-07 13:59:33 · answer #6 · answered by Danny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a snail loses it's shell is it homeless or naked?
2006-11-07 14:06:36 · answer #7 · answered by ♥cinnamonmj♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Their shells get bigger as they grow older.
2006-11-07 14:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but Hermit Crabs do.
2006-11-07 13:59:26 · answer #9 · answered by Hamish 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. They are attached.
2006-11-07 13:58:51 · answer #10 · answered by jdratbull 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋