Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Clams are bivalve mollusks with two shells hinged together. They live in both saltwater and freshwater habitats and filter-feed by extracting nutrients from the water.
Related terms
Bivalves: Clams belong to the group of bivalve mollusks characterized by having two shells connected by a hinge.
Filter Feeding: Clams practice filter feeding by drawing in water through their siphons and extracting food particles before expelling the filtered water.