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(41 total)
Exogyra costata
© 2003 Otto S. Zapecza
Pterotrigonia thoracica
© 2004 Frank H. McClung Museum, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Patinopecten santarosaliaensis
© 2009 Ana Luisa Carreno
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What are Bivalves? Bivalves are molluscs with a shell made of two interlocking pieces (valves) made of calcium carbonate. They can be found in many different freshwater and marine environments, such as lakes, tide pools, reefs, and hydrothermal vents. Some bivalves attach themselves to hard surfaces (oysters, mussels), a few species can swim (scallops), but most bury or anchor themselves into soft sediment. Partly because they have a hard shell, and partly because they are so numerous, the fossil record of bivalves is fairly good and extends back to the Cambrian. First known fossil occurrence: Cambrian. Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives. Cool Bivalves links: Search for images of Bivalves on Google |
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