Bivalve: meaning, definitions and examples

marine biology

Bivalves are a class of marine and freshwater mollusks that have a compressed body contained within a hinged shell. This class includes organisms such as clams, oysters, and mussels. Bivalves typically feed by filtering plankton and other small particles from the water using their gills. They can live in a variety of environments, from sandy bottoms to rocky shores. Bivalves are significant in both ecological and economic terms, serving as a food source and playing a role in water filtration.

clam, mollusk, shellfish

Examples of usage

• The fisherman caught several bivalves along the coast.

• Oysters are a popular type of bivalve consumed by many.

• Bivalves help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.