EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops are members to the class Bivalvia (or Pelecypodia). Bivalves have two shells, connected by a flexible ligament, which encase and shield the soft vulnerable parts of the creature.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bivalve mollusks (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels, scallops) have an external covering that is a two-part hinged shell that contains a soft-bodied invertebrate.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bivalves by definition possess two shells or valves, a “right valve” and a “left valve", that are joined by a ligament. The two valves usually articulate with one another using structures known as “teeth” which are situated along the hinge line.

Detailed explanation-4: -Class Bivalvia consists of mollusks with two shells held together by a muscle; these include oysters, clams, and mussels.

Detailed explanation-5: -Bivalves are most easily recognized by their two shells (hence “bi-valv-ia"). Their shells are comprised of a pair of laterally-compressed hinged valves and the pallial cavity surrounds the whole body.