Bivalve
A bivalve is a type of aquatic mollusk with a shell composed of two hinged parts, or valves, that it can open and close for protection and feeding, including familiar species like clams and oysters. Beyond their ecological role in filtering water and supporting marine biodiversity, bivalves have become key indicators of environmental health in modern studies, highlighting issues like ocean pollution.
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The oldest known bivalve, a quahog clam named Ming, was discovered off the coast of Iceland in 2007 and lived to be at least 507 years old, outlasting many human civilizations. This ancient creature's shells provided scientists with a detailed record of ocean temperature changes over centuries, offering a natural archive of climate history.
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