Shell Games (Vortex)

The shell is the most recognizable feature of many molluscs. The form of a molluscan shell is directly related to its function and the lifestyle of the resident mollusc. Muscle scars, shell shape, and shell thickness all can be used to infer details of the animal's lifestyle and habitat. This sort of forensic ecology provides a simple, cost-effective means to encourage students of all ages to develop qualitative and quantitative skills including observation, hypothesis testing, data presentation, and communication. The classroom activities described herein begin with a simple overview of common Chesapeake Bay bivalves. The second activity focuses on the Eastern oyster ("Crassostrea virginica"). The third activity describes the importance of oyster reefs within the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.