Clams: An Overview

Clams are a type of mollusk that belong to the class Bivalvia. They are soft-bodied animals enclosed in a shell that is divided into two halves or valves. Clams are found in both freshwater and marine environments and are an important part of aquatic ecosystems.

Anatomy of Clams

Clams have a muscular foot that they use for digging into the sediment, a mantle that surrounds the body and secretes the shell, and a siphon for drawing in water for respiration and filter feeding.

Reproduction

Clams reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. The larvae that hatch from the eggs undergo a period of development before settling onto the substrate as juvenile clams.

Ecological Importance

Clams play a crucial role in aquatic food webs as filter feeders, removing particles and pollutants from the water. They also serve as a food source for various organisms, including humans.

Study Guide

1. What is the class to which clams belong?
2. Describe the anatomy of clams.
3. How do clams reproduce?
4. Explain the ecological importance of clams.