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Glite Dictionary
Bivalvia

Bivalvia

9.9
Water animals with two shells joined by a hinge, like oysters or clams
  • noun
  • /baɪˈvælviə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Bivalvia
  • Many commercially important shellfish, such as oysters and clams, are members of the group Bivalvia.

Examples

  • The shells of Bivalvia typically consist of two symmetrical halves joined by a flexible ligament.

  • Many commercially important shellfish, such as oysters and clams, are members of the group Bivalvia.

  • Marine biologists study Bivalvia to learn more about aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

  • The Bivalvia class includes many familiar species.

  • Many Bivalvias are found in coastal waters.

  • The shells of Bivalvia typically consist of two symmetrical halves joined by a flexible ligament.

  • Marine biologists study Bivalavia to learn more about aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

Synonyms

Pelecypoda
vsBivalvia
  • Archaic
9.9

A group of shellfish with two hinged shells like clams or oysters

is the modern class name rather than an alternative older term
Lamellibranchia
vsBivalvia
  • Archaic
9.9

An old scientific group name for sea animals like oysters and clams with two shells

is the present name and lacks the older anatomical emphasis on gills

Surface Forms

Bivalvia singular
Bivalvias plural

Morphology

Bivalvia = bivalve (semi-transparent) = bi + valve + ia

Formed from the familiar elements 'bi-' (two) and 'valve', but '-ia' is a Latinized taxonomic suffix creating a class name, which is specialized and may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

The word Bivalvia comes from bi- 'two' and the part valve 'door', the same root you see in the English word valve. So imagine two shell 'doors' that close together over the animal, which is why Bivalvia are shellfish with two hinged shells.