* Shell: The most obvious defense is their shell. Made of calcium carbonate, it's a hard, protective outer layer. When threatened, snails can retract their soft body inside the shell, making them much harder to attack.
* Slime: Snails secrete mucus, which serves several purposes:
* Lubrication: Helps them move smoothly over surfaces.
* Protection: Slime can make them slippery and difficult to grab.
* Deterring predators: The slime can taste unpleasant to some predators.
* Hiding: Snails are masters at finding safe places to hide. They might burrow into the ground, squeeze into cracks, or hide under rocks and leaves.
* Coloration: Some snail species have camouflaged colors that help them blend into their surroundings, making them harder to spot by predators.
* Nocturnal habits: Many snails are active at night when predators are less likely to be out and about.
* Toughness: Even without bones, the snail's body is surprisingly tough and resilient. They can withstand a fair amount of pressure and are not easily crushed.
While these defenses aren't foolproof, they make snails relatively well-protected in their environment.