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Glite Dictionary
Lamellibranchia

Lamellibranchia

9.9
An old scientific group name for sea animals like oysters and clams with two shells
  • noun
  • /ˌlæməˈbræŋkiə/
  • Archaic
translation icon : lamelibranquios
  • The classification of Lamellibranchia has largely been replaced by the term Bivalvia in modern taxonomy.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the shell formation process in several species within Lamellibranchia.

  • The Lamellibranchia class includes many familiar shellfish.

  • The fossil record shows that Lamellibranchia appeared in the early Paleozoic era.

  • Many species of Lamellibranchia are found in marine environments.

  • Researchers studied the unique gill structures of various species within Lamellibranchia.

  • The classification of Lamellibranchia reflects the diversity of mollusks with two-part shells.

  • Many species of Lamellibranchia play important roles in their ecosystems as filter feeders.

Synonyms

Pelecypoda
vsLamellibranchia
  • Archaic
9.9

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

is an older taxonomic name highlighting gills shaped as lamellae
Bivalvia
vsLamellibranchia
  • Specialized
9.9

Water animals with two shells joined by a hinge, like oysters or clams

is the former class name that specifically notes lamellae-form gill structures

Surface Forms

Lamellibranchia singular
Lamellibranchias plural

Etymology

Lamellibranchia comes from parts that mean 'small plate' and 'gills'. The lamella part (like in laminate) means 'small plate' and -branchia means 'gills', so the name points to animals whose gills are made of many thin plates, which is why it named clams, oysters and mussels.