Biodiversity of bivalves (Invertebrata: Mollusca)

Abstract

Bivalves constitute an important component of many benthic ecological habitats. They are adapted to withstand the frequ e nt physical and chemical changes characteristic of the marine aquatic ecosystems and as a resul they form an integral part of the benthic community structure. In estuaries, intertidal zones and near shore coastal areas of Kerala, they are well distributed. Geological history records of Kerala havc indicated several transgressions and reg ressions of the sea along the coast resu lting in many standstills during the Pleistocene and Holocene periods.