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Clams are shelled marine or freshwater mollusks belonging to the class Bivalvia. The term "clam" has no taxonomic significance in biology, but in general use clam refers to a bivalve (a mollusk whose body is protected by two symmetrical shells) that is not an oyster, mussel, or a scallop, and that has a more-or-less oval shape, or alternately, to a freshwater mussel (). Clams are invertebrates, with shells divided into two pieces called valves. These pieces are joined with a hinge joint, and with two adductor muscles that open and close the shells. Clams have a heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. An exception to the oval shape is the razor clam, which has an elongate shell suggesting a straight razor. Some quahogs on the Eastern American Coast may be 200 years old.
In culinary use, clam most often refers to the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria but may refer to other species such as the soft-shell clam Mya arenaria. They are eaten raw, steamed, boiled, baked or fried: the method of preparation depends partly on size and species. Clam chowder is a popular soup in the U.S. and Canada.
Examples of clams
More on [ Clam ]
Although oysters, scallops clams suffered in more acidic sea water lobsters, crabs, and shrimp may become bigger http://tr.im/GZDj #CO2 Ѽ
cuddlendance (Pradeep K.Verma MBBS) Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:11:21 -0000
Although oysters, scallops clams suffered in more acidic sea water lobsters, crabs, and shrimp may become bigger http://tr.im/GZDj #CO2 Ѽ
Bivalve Anatomy - Offers diagrams and basic information for clam, oyster, and scallop anatomy.
Clam Review - Virtual clam dissection with numbered photographs. Click on a number and the name of the part appears.
Pearl Oyster Biology - Overview of the pearl making process and anatomy pictures.
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