What are the main differences between bivalves and brachiopods?

Bivalves - Firstly they have two identical valves make up the main shell. They also grow from a few mm to 1m in size such as the giant clam. In order to close the valves, a pair of adductor muscles contract to keep valves closed (leave scars at anterior and posterior). When the muscles relax, external ligament pulls them open. They also have a foot, absent on brachiopods, to aid digging and they use gills to respire. In order to catergorize bivalves, they are put into the Mollusca phylum. Brachiopods - Have one valve (pedicle valve) larger than the other and tend to grow to 2-10cm in length; smaller than the average bivalve. To work the valves, adductor muscles contract to close valves (pair of scars in pedicle valve, 2 in brachial) and then the didcutor muscles contract to open valves (run from cardinal process to floor of pedicle valve). They do not have a foot like the bivalves, but do have a pedicle which aids attachment to rocks. They also use a lophophore to respire rather than gills. In order to catergorize brachiopods, they are in the phylum, Brachiopoda. 

Answered by Saskia B. Geology tutor

10001 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is heat flow over a mid-ocean ridge higher than over an oceanic trench?


Explain how Earthquakes Occur when Stress Stored in Rocks is Released.


Are felsic or mafic magmas more explosive


You are given layers A,F,D,H without knowing their relative or specific age. Write two ways you can know which layer is the oldest.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy