The Challenge

The 12th in our new challenge layout catering for all aspects of nature for us nature lovers.

For this challenge please add your images of CLAMS, OYSTERS, MUSSELS, SCALLOPS. ONLY THE SHELLED VARIETY FOR THIS CHALLENGE PLEASE.

Interesting Facts

> The class was known for some time as Pelecypoda, which is a reference to the soft parts of the animal, whereas the name Bivalvia simply describes the shell, which has two valves.

> The total number of bivalve species is currently approximately 9,200. These are placed within 1,260 genera and 106 families.

> Bivalves have a shell consisting of two asymmetrically rounded halves called valves that are mirror images of each other, joined at one edge by a flexible ligament called the hinge. The shell is typically bilaterally symmetrical, with the hinge lying in the sagittal plane.

> The adult maximum shell size of recent species of bivalves ranges from 0.52 mm in Condylonucula maya (a nut clam) to a length of 1,532 mm in Kuphus polythalamia, a kind of shipworm. However, the species generally regarded as the largest living bivalve is the giant clam Tridacna gigas which can weigh more than 200 kilograms (441 lbs).

> Bivalves are unique among the Mollusca in that they have lost their odontophore and radula in their transition to filter feeding.

> Some bivalves are epifaunal; they attach to surfaces. Others are infaunal; they bury themselves in sediment. These forms typically have a strong digging foot. Some bivalves such as scallops can swim.

> The term bivalve is derived from the Latin bis, meaning ‘two’, and valvae, meaning leaves of a door.

Information courtesy of Wikipedia

Judging / Voting Criteria

Vote for your favourite!

Rewards & Prizes

1st place winners will have their photo used as the group Avatar for a period of time.
Then 1st, 2nd and 3rd will have their photo’s posted on the groups Feature Board.
1st place member will be become a featured member.

Additional Information

ENTRIES MUST BE ADDED TO THE GROUP FIRST OR BE DELETED FROM THE CHALLENGE.

Cover Image: Shell: Angel Wings in Evening light at Fahan by George Row