All you need to know about these marine molluscs that have existed for millions of years
How is chiton pronounced?
Chton is pronounced as kye-tuhn (kye rhymes with eye).
How old are chitons?
These primitive sea creatures predate dinosaurs and have survived multiple mass extinctions. The earliest known fossil dates back to ~400 million years ago.
What to chitons eat?
Mostly herbivores that feed on algae growing on rocks. Some carnivorous chiton species feed on shrimps and tiny fishes.
About the Authors
Rachana Rao
is a marine biologist with Nature Conservation Foundation, working on seagrass species organization and community assembly in the meadows of the Andaman archipelago.
