Chitons are marine mollusks belonging to the class Polyplacophora. They are characterized by their eight overlapping shell plates, which provide protection and flexibility. Chitons typically inhabit rocky shorelines and can cling tightly to surfaces, making them resilient against waves and predators. These creatures have a broad, flat body and a muscular foot that allows them to move along the ocean floor. Chitons feed primarily on algae, using their specialized radula, a tongue-like organ, to scrape food from rocks. They play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to control algal growth.