Lamellibranchs, also known as bivalve mollusks, are a diverse group of soft-bodied invertebrate animals belonging to the class Bivalvia. They are characterized by having a bilateral symmetrical body enclosed within a two-part hinged shell made of calcium carbonate.
The term "lamellibranch" is derived from the Latin words lamella, which means plate, and branchia, meaning gill. This is referencing the structures known as gills, which are present in the mantle cavity of these animals. Gills in lamellibranchs are specialized organs responsible for respiration by extracting oxygen from water and removing carbon dioxide.
These organisms are commonly found in marine environments, but some species are also adapted to freshwater habitats. Examples of lamellibranchs include clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, and cockles, among others.
Lamellibranchs typically have a sedentary lifestyle, adhering to rocks, burrowing in sand or mud, or attaching themselves to other surfaces using byssal threads. Their shell serves as a protective structure, providing shelter and acting as a defense against predators.
These animals possess a unique feeding mechanism, as they use their muscular foot to dig into the sediment, filter water, and extract food particles, such as plankton or organic matter, through their specialized gills.
Apart from their ecological importance as filter feeders and their economic significance due to their consumption and use in aquaculture, lamellibranchs also contribute to the fossil record, providing insights into the evolutionary history and past ecosystems.
