A chiton is a type of marine mollusk belonging to the class Polyplacophora. They are characterized by their unique shell, which consists of eight overlapping plates. These creatures are typically found on rocky surfaces in intertidal zones and can cling tightly to avoid being washed away by waves. Chitons have a broad, flat body and a muscular foot that allows them to move slowly across the ocean floor. They primarily feed on algae and other small organisms by scraping them off rocks using a specialized structure called a radula. Their ability to adapt to various environments makes them an important part of marine ecosystems.