Bivalve classification and taxonomy

Venkatesan, V and Mohamed, K S (2015) Bivalve classification and taxonomy. [Teaching Resource]

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Abstract

Bivalve is the second most dominant class in the phylum Mollusca. Bivalves are characterized by a laterally compressed body with an external shell of two halves that is hinged dorsally. The valves are united dorsally by elastic, a partially calcified or chitinous external or internal ligament and are held together by one or two adductor muscles. The head is rudimentary and have lost the buccal or radular apparatus. The mantle lobes are either connected or free ventrally. Most of the sensory structures are located in the mantle margin. They are mostly ciliary feeders, with sieving and sorting mechanisms on labial palps and leaf-like ctenidium. The mantle cavity includes a pair of ctenidia suspended laterally. The mouth and anus are located at opposite ends of the body and the gut is typically convoluted. The foot is compressed and adopted for burrowing, except in sedentary forms where it is rudimentary. Most bivalves are marine and there are no terrestrial forms.

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