95 - Bivalves

Hello friends, Welcome to the Fossil Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur.

I am Bivalve. I am a fossil.

We bivalves have a two-part shell, known as valves, which are hinged together. These shells are typically made of calcium carbonate and provide protection for our soft bodies inside.

We exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning our bodies can be divided into two mirror-image halves along a central axis.

Most of us are filter feeders, meaning we obtain food by filtering small particles, such as plankton, from the water using specialised structures called cilia. We typically have a muscular foot that we use for burrowing into sediment, anchoring ourselves to rocks, or for limited movement.The mantle is a thin tissue layer that secretes our shells. It also houses our gills, which we use for respiration and filter feeding. Many of us have siphons, which are specialised tube-like structures we use for taking in water and expelling waste. Siphons can vary in size and shape depending on the species and habitat.We generally have separate sexes and reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. Fertilisation occurs externally, and our larvae go through a period of development before settling and growing into adult bivalves. We inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. You can find us buried in sediment, attached to rocks or other substrates, or free-swimming in the water column. We play important roles in aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders, helping to maintain water quality by removing particulate matter and nutrients from the water.

Many species of us are harvested for human consumption, providing a valuable source of seafood for various cultures around the world. Additionally, our shells have been used for various purposes throughout history, including as tools, ornaments, and currency.

Thank you for visiting.