1. Phylum Mollusca Class Bivalvia
Oysters, Clams, Scallops-
Oh My!

2. Bivalve Characteristics
Two shells held together with a hinge and strong muscles (bi-means 2)
Filter feeders
Gills
Used to filter food from water
Also used to remove oxygen from water
Found in watery environments

3. Bivalve Reproduction
Many species of bivalves perform external fertilization-this means that the eggs and sperm are released by individuals into the water and the eggs are fertilized outside the female bivalve.

4. Life Cycle of Bivalves
Many bivalves are sessile (don’t move) for most of their lives. But many start off as larvae that can swim around.
The larvae swim until they find a good spot then attach to the surface and change into adult bivalves.

5. Scallop Dance
Scallops are one of the only types of bivalves that can move.
They open and close their shells rapidly to move through the water
Clams also move as well-they burrow into the sand using their foot

6. Bivalve Movie Minute Click here to watch scallops swimming
Click here to watch a clam feeding

7. A Pearl of Wisdom
Pearls form when something gets stuck in an oyster between the mantle and the shell. The object irritates the oyster and the oyster begins to cover it up. The mantle covers the object with the same chemicals it uses to make the shell. This eventually forms a pearl!

8. A little clam humor…

9. Examples of Bivalves