Scallop
Scallop
Scallop (/ˈskɒləp, ˈskæləp/), also known as Pectinidae, is a type of marine bivalve mollusk. The term is derived from the Old French escalope, which means "shell".
Etymology
The word "scallop" is derived from the Old French escalope, which means "shell". The term was first used in English in the late 14th century. The scientific name for the scallop family, Pectinidae, comes from the Latin pecten, meaning "comb", due to the comb-like ridges present on the scallop's shell.
Description
Scallops are characterized by their distinctive fan-shaped shell which has a series of ridges and a generally round shape. They are a type of bivalve mollusk, meaning they have two shells hinged together. Scallops are known for their ability to swim by quickly opening and closing their shells, ejecting water in a jet-like manner.
Habitat and Distribution
Scallops can be found in all of the world's oceans, but are most common in the Atlantic Ocean. They prefer the cool waters of the deep sea, but can also be found in shallower waters. They are often found in sandy or muddy seabeds.
Diet
Scallops are filter feeders, meaning they consume small particles of food suspended in water. Their diet primarily consists of plankton.
Related Terms
- Bivalve mollusk: A type of mollusk characterized by a shell that is divided into two hinged parts.
- Filter feeder: An animal that feeds by straining suspended matter and food particles from water.
- Plankton: The small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Scallop
- Wikipedia's article - Scallop
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