Movement
The clam moves by using a "foot"
which can be extended from the shell.
Respiration
The entire body surface is in contact with water
and derives its oxygen from it. However, it does
have a heart which circulates the oxygenated
blood. Respiration occurs by gills that
bring blood to the surface of the water.
Protection
The shell is hard, the inner body is soft.
Support
The skeleton of the mollusca is
non-existent. Its very name, which
means "soft body," indicates the lack of a
skeleton. However, some mollusca secrete
a substance which produces a protective
outer shell, such as a clam.
Circulation
Circulation occurs by means of a chambered
heart (analogous to the vertebrate heart) which
pumps the blood. There are one or two
auricles and one ventricle.
Reproduction
Reproduction is sexual.
Pinegreenwoods Montessori
Montessori Zoology
