How do chitons scrape algae from rocky surfaces?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Conchyliologie Tableau de la Classification des Coquilles — mollusk Mollusk shell classification chart, c. 1861.

Chitons (class Polyplacophora) scrape algae from rocky surfaces using a specialized, filelike structure known as a radula.12

This organ features strong, rasping teeth that allow the mollusk to effectively remove plant food from hard substrates while it clings to the rock using its large, flat foot.12