ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Vexillum (gastropod)

A vexillum is a fancy word for a part of a gastropod, which is a type of sea creature that has a shell like a snail or a clam. The vexillum is like a little door that covers the opening of the gastropod's shell. It's kind of like how you close a door to your room when you want to have privacy or be alone.

The vexillum is important for the gastropod because it helps protect them from predators that might want to eat them. The vexillum is also important because it helps the gastropod control how much water or air comes into its shell. This is important because the gastropod needs water to survive, but too much water can be bad for it.

So, think of the vexillum like a little door or gate that a sea snail or clam uses to protect itself and control how much water or air comes into its home. Pretty cool, huh?