Clams

Clams are a type of mollusk belonging to the class Bivalvia. They are soft-bodied animals enclosed in two shells that are hinged together. These shells are composed of calcium carbonate and are produced by the mantle, a specialized tissue in the clam's body.

Anatomy of Clams

Shell: The two shells of the clam provide protection and support for the animal.
Mantle: This tissue secretes the shells and also plays a role in respiration and feeding.
Foot: Used for burrowing into the substrate and for locomotion.
Gills: Clams use their gills for both respiration and filter feeding.

Habitat and Ecology

Clams are found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marine, freshwater, and brackish environments. They are filter feeders, meaning they obtain their food by filtering small particles from the water. Some species of clams are important food sources for other animals, while others are harvested by humans for consumption.

Reproduction

Clams reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. The larvae that hatch from the fertilized eggs go through a period of development before settling to the bottom and undergoing metamorphosis into juvenile clams.