Human Impact

Molluscs account for 41% of all document extinctions. They are also the second most diverse group of animals. Through clearing out forests, building dams, introducing invasive species into their habitats, and continuing to make pollution, humans are making it hard for molluscs to stay alive. It is important that we keep the molluscs alive because they are beneficial to scientific research. Many of them produce biotoxins which are used in medical research and put in drugs to treat medical problems in humans. Others can give clues to greater environmental problems because they are very sensitive. Still, many of them are highly nutritious and good for humans to eat.