Pectinina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pectinina |
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Pectinina
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Anomioidea
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Pectinina is a group of sea creatures that are part of the Bivalve family. Think of them as a special sub-group within a larger family called Ostreoida. This group includes two main "superfamilies": Pectinoidea and Anomioidea.
Contents
What are Bivalves?
Bivalves are a type of Mollusc. They are known for having two shells that are hinged together. These shells protect their soft bodies inside. Clams, mussels, and oysters are all examples of bivalves.
Pectinina's Place in the Animal Kingdom
To understand Pectinina, it helps to see where they fit in the big picture of life.
- Kingdom: Animalia (They are animals!)
- Phylum: Mollusca (They belong to the mollusc group, like snails and octopuses.)
- Class: Bivalvia (They have two shells.)
- Order: Ostreoida (A larger group that includes oysters.)
- Suborder: Pectinina (This is our special group!)
Superfamilies of Pectinina
The Pectinina suborder is further divided into two main superfamilies:
- Pectinoidea: This group includes the famous scallops. Scallops are known for their fan-shaped shells and their ability to "swim" by rapidly clapping their shells together.
- Anomioidea: This group includes creatures like jingle shells and windowpane oysters. They often have very thin, translucent shells.
Scallops: A Famous Pectinina
Scallops are probably the most well-known members of the Pectinina group. They are found in oceans all over the world.
How Scallops Move
Unlike many other bivalves that stay in one place, scallops can move around. They do this by quickly opening and closing their shells. This action pushes water out, allowing them to jet through the water. It's a bit like a natural jet propulsion system!
Scallop Eyes
One of the most interesting things about scallops is their eyes. They can have dozens of small, blue eyes along the edge of their mantle (the soft tissue inside their shell). These eyes aren't like human eyes, but they can detect light and movement, helping the scallop sense predators.
Where Pectinina Live
Members of the Pectinina group live in many different ocean environments. You can find them in shallow coastal waters or deeper parts of the ocean. They often live on sandy or muddy bottoms, or sometimes attached to rocks.
See also
In Spanish: Pectinina para niños
Images for kids
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A scallop showing its many eyes along the edge of its shell.
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A friendly robot.
