noun
- gastropod mollusks that have lungs instead of gills for breathing, including most land snails and slugs
Usage: zoological term; plural form
Examples
- Pulmonates are found in terrestrial and freshwater environments worldwide.
- Garden snails are common examples of pulmonates.
- The scientist studied the respiratory system of various pulmonates.
- Unlike marine gastropods, pulmonates breathe air through a lung cavity.
- Many pulmonates can seal their shells to prevent water loss during dry periods.
- The diversity of pulmonates includes both shelled and shell-less species.