>Hello Conch-Lers,
>
>I'm sure we have been over this ground before, but for those of us that were
>sleeping I need to ask a basic fundamental question that is often asked of me.
>"What makes a mollusk a mollusk?  I have found many sites that give
>examples of
>mollusks and characteristics that are commonly found in mollusks.  However, I
>have yet to find any site that will tell me what characteristic(s) alone
>separate mollusks, and exclude all other species from this phylum.
>
>Sincerely, Bret
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When present, the radula. Conchiolin. The foot.

The mantle is not unique to these beasts, as brachiopods have one also.