[Observation] Delicious Fun Facts from the Sea: About Clams
Observation
Delicious Fun Facts from the Sea: About Clams
In this "Let's Think" section, we have a quiz about clam shells. It might change the way you look at clams!
What You'll Learn in "Let's Think"
- About clam shells
"Let’s Think" is quiz time!
Yay!
Okay, here's the first question.
As clams grow, their bodies get bigger. Then, what happens to the shell?
As clams grow, their bodies get bigger. Then, what happens to the shell?
Umm… Is it number 2?
Sorry, that's not it. The correct answer is number 3. The shell grows little by little as the clam's body gets bigger. If you look closely at the shell, can you see the lines centered around the "umbo"?
Yes, I see them.
Yes, those lines show the clam’s growth.
Interesting. This means this clam used to be small.
Now, here's the next question.
What connects the clam's body to its shell?
What connects the clam's body to its shell?
Umm… Hmm…
I've never seen a clam's suction cup, so maybe it's number 2, the adductor muscle?
I've never seen a clam's suction cup, so maybe it's number 2, the adductor muscle?
Correct!
To explain a bit more, the clam's body is wrapped in a thin membrane called the "mantle." It's not just the adductor muscles, but the mantle also helps attach the body to the shell.
Interesting.
Here's the last quiz. How many adductor muscles does one clam have?
Umm, maybe about two?
You're right again!
Clams have two adductor muscles.
Clams have two adductor muscles.
Got it!
Here's a fun fact for you.
Remember we talked about "suction cups" earlier? What comes to mind when you think of "sea creatures with suction cups?
Remember we talked about "suction cups" earlier? What comes to mind when you think of "sea creatures with suction cups?
Octopus and squid!
That's right. Did you know that octopuses and squids are actually in the same family as clams? They all belong to a group called "mollusks."
No way!
They look completely different!
Squids don't even have shells!
They look completely different!
Squids don't even have shells!
Not all mollusks have shells, but for example, the common squid has an internal shell called a "pen" or "gladius."
I've never heard of that.
At Kahaku, clams and squids are displayed near each other. It's because they belong to the same family.
I see.
Now, it's time for the “Let's Try” section.
You can do observations at home using real clams, not just by looking!
You can do observations at home using real clams, not just by looking!
I can't wait!
What You Learned in "Let's Think"
- Clam shells grow bigger as they grow.
- The clam's body and shell are attached by two adductor muscles and the mantle.
- Clams belong to the same group as octopuses and squids, the "mollusks."