Pecten (bivalve) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pecten (bivalve) |
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| Two beachworn upper valves of Pecten maximus from Wales | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Pectinida |
| Family: | Pectinidae |
| Genus: | Pecten O. F. Müller, 1776 |
Pecten is a group of large scallops. They are a type of saltwater clam. These amazing sea creatures are also known as bivalve mollusks. They belong to the family called Pectinidae. Pecten scallops have been around for a very long time. They have lived since the Triassic Era. This was a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Pecten scallops can even swim. They do this by quickly opening and closing their shells.
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About Pecten Scallops
Pecten scallops are a special kind of sea animal. They have two shells that are hinged together. This makes them a "bivalve." They live in the ocean, which is why they are called "marine" animals. The word "genus" means a group of very similar living things. So, Pecten is a genus of scallops. It is also the main group for the whole Pectinidae family.
Different Kinds of Pecten
There are several well-known types of scallops in the Pecten group. Each one lives in different parts of the world.
- Pecten maximus: This is known as the great scallop. It is a very common type. Sometimes, Pecten jacobaeus is considered the same species.
- Pecten novaezealandiae: This scallop lives near New Zealand.
- Pecten sulcicostatus: This type of scallop is found near South Africa. It was first described in 1842.
- Pecten yessoensis: This is often called the Japanese sea scallop. It is common in Japan.
Where Does the Name "Pecten" Come From?
The name "Pecten" has an interesting origin. It comes from the Latin word for a comb or a rake. If you look closely at a scallop shell, you might see why. Many scallop shells have ridges that look a bit like the teeth of a comb.
Pecten in Logos
You might have seen a scallop shell before without even knowing it! The Shell petroleum company uses a scallop shell as its logo. They have used this famous shell symbol since 1904. It is one of the most recognized company logos in the world.
Images for kids
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Fossil shells of Pecten nigromagnus from Pliocene of Italy
See also
In Spanish: Pecten (animal) para niños
