Why are bivalve species especially diverse near continental landmasses?

Bivalve species are most diverse near continental landmasses primarily because these regions provide ideal environmental conditions for their survival and proliferation. Specifically, the presence of large rivers creates suitable deltaic habitats, and the continental shelf in these areas is typically broad, offering extensive space for colonization.1

These coastal environments support a wide array of subhabitats that allow various bivalve groups to thrive. While most bivalves are found in coastal seas, the combination of nutrient-rich deltaic inputs and expansive shelf areas facilitates the high levels of biodiversity observed in these zones.1