bivalve

Introduction

CE5

Internal anatomy of a clam, Anodonta, representative mollusk of the class Pelecypoda (the bivalves)

bivalve, aquatic mollusk of the class Pelecypoda (“hatchet-foot”) or Bivalvia, with a laterally compressed body and a shell consisting of two valves, or movable pieces, hinged by an elastic ligament. Bivalves, which include clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, and scallops, are an important food source for humans, as well as for gastropods, fish, and shore birds.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Classification
Bivalve Specialization
Bivalve Anatomy
Bivalve Shells

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Zoology: Invertebrates