Pteriomorphia
Quick Summary
The subclass Pteriomorphia is a group of bivalve mollusks, characterized by a wide range of shell forms and structures. These marine animals are typically attached to surfaces by byssal threads or cemented, though some are free-living or burrowing. Pteriomorphs represent some of the earliest filter-feeding bivalves and include familiar groups like mussels, oysters, and scallops. Their classification is based on features such as shell structure, hinge dentition, and adductor muscle arrangement, though debates exist regarding higher taxonomic categories due to parallel evolution.12
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- bivalveEcology and habitats
In contrast, the Pteriomorphia, an older group that is epibyssate (that is, anchored to rocks) dominates hard substrates. The subclass is made up of oysters, mussels, jingle shells, and others. Some of their older representatives are endobyssate (that is, anchored to material within a burrow or dugout), exposing…
Read MoreIn contrast, the Pteriomorphia, an older group that is epibyssate (that is, anchored to rocks) dominates hard substrates. The subclass is made up of oysters, mussels, jingle shells, and others. Some of their older representatives are endobyssate (that is, anchored to material within a burrow or dugout), exposing…
Read More - bivalveAnnotated classification
Subclass Pteriomorphia Highly variable shell form and structure; dimyarian, anisomyarian, or monomyarian; variable hinge dentition; lateral filibranch ctenidia comprise paired demibranchs of weakly united filaments; mostly marine; some cemented; most epibyssate; some infaunal; representative of the earliest filter-feeding bivalves. About 1,500 species. Order Arcoida
Read MoreSubclass Pteriomorphia Highly variable shell form and structure; dimyarian, anisomyarian, or monomyarian; variable hinge dentition; lateral filibranch ctenidia comprise paired demibranchs of weakly united filaments; mostly marine; some cemented; most epibyssate; some infaunal; representative of the earliest filter-feeding bivalves. About 1,500 species. Order Arcoida
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