What are the different parts of a bivalve?
Bivalve molluscs are completely enclosed by a shell made of two valves hinged at the top. A hinge ligament made of elastic protein joins the two halves of the shell together, and large adductor muscles between the two valves hold them closed.
What are three characteristics of bivalves?
Three of the main characteristics of bivalves are:
- Two equally sized shells that close together for protection using muscles.
- A large, muscular foot that is used to bury within the lake or ocean bottom.
- A straw-like siphon which protrudes out of the shell to take in and get rid of water and food.
How does a bivalve eat?
As filter feeders, bivalves gather food through their gills. Some bivalves have a pointed, retractable “foot” that protrudes from the shell and digs into the surrounding sediment, effectively enabling the creature to move or burrow. Bivalves even make their own shells.
What is the classification of a bivalve?
BivalviaBivalvia / Scientific name
What lives in a bivalve?
Clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops are members to the class Bivalvia (or Pelecypodia). Bivalves have two shells, connected by a flexible ligament, which encase and shield the soft vulnerable parts of the creature.
What are bivalve fossils?
Fossil bivalves were formed when the sediment in which they were buried hardened into rock. Many closely resemble living forms which helps us to understand how they must have lived. Bivalves have two hard, usually bowl-shaped, shells (called valves) enclosing the soft body.
How does bivalve breathe?
Like fish, bivalve mollusks breathe through their gills. As filter feeders, bivalves gather food through their gills. Some bivalves have a pointed, retractable “foot” that protrudes from the shell and digs into the surrounding sediment, effectively enabling the creature to move or burrow.
What is the anatomy of a bivalve?
Bivalve Anatomy. The valve structure and soft anatomy of the bivalves varies among species. The Hard-Shelled Clam or Cherrystone, Mercenaria mercenaria, is used here as an example of a typical bivalve. Important features of bivalve shells are: a pallial line that represents the attachment of the soft tissues to the interior of the shell.
What is the basic configuration of the bivalve digestive system?
The basic configuration of the bivalve digestive system is similar to other molluscs. Food particles, once collected in various ways, are transferred to the stomach via the oesophagus. In filter feeders this involves an unusual organ called the crystalline style. This style is secreted by the style sac.
What types of bivalves can be used for nutrient extraction?
Blue mussels are used as examples but other bivalves like oysters can also provide these nutrient extraction services.
What is the function of the crystalline style in bivalves?
In filter-feeding bivalves, an elongated rod of solidified mucus referred to as the “crystalline style” projects into the stomach from an associated sac. Cilia in the sac cause the style to rotate, winding in a stream of food-containing mucus from the mouth, and churning the stomach contents.