Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of mollusks: "Class Pelecypoda" is a scientific term referring to a class of bivalve mollusks, characterized by having a two-part hinged shell. This class includes familiar shellfish such as oysters, clams, scallops, and mussels. It is synonymous with the class Bivalvia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Marine biologists study the diverse species within the class Pelecypoda.
  • Oysters and clams, both members of the class Pelecypoda, are important filter feeders in aquatic ecosystems.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used in formal biological taxonomy to categorize a major group of mollusks.
  • The fossil record shows that the class Pelecypoda has existed for hundreds of millions of years.

Variants and Related Words

• Bivalvia (n): The modern, more commonly used synonym for the class Pelecypoda.
  • The class Bivalvia is known for its two-valved shell.
• Bivalve (n): A common name for any member of this class.
  • A scallop is a type of bivalve.
• Lamellibranchia (n): An older, alternative taxonomic name for the same class.
  • Some historical texts refer to these mollusks as the class Lamellibranchia.

Synonyms

• Bivalvia: The synonymous class name.
• Lamellibranchia: An older synonymous class name.

Related Phrases

• Bivalve mollusk: A descriptive phrase for an organism belonging to this class.
  • The aquarium has an exhibit on bivalve mollusks like mussels and clams.

Noun

1. oysters; clams; scallops; mussels