Bivalve Mollusk Burrowing Aided by Discordant Shell Ornamentation

Abstract

Oblique and chevron-like ridges on the shell surfaces of certain burrowing bivalve mollusks grip the sediment during shell-rocking movements to aid in sediment penetration. These ridges (characterized by steep dorsal slopes and gentle ventral slopes) have evolved through convergence in several families in association with particular behavioral and ecological traits.