Asked by Martin Murgoski on Jul 23, 2024
Verified
If you live on a river delta or coastline, you may not be able to eat the local clams because of high levels of toxins present in the water. Why?
A) Clams seasonally produce toxic substances.
B) Clams regularly consume poisonous red tide organisms.
C) Most native clams have been replaced by harmful exotic species.
D) Clams are filter-feeders and pollutants in the water become concentrated in their tissues.
E) The toxins contained in clams cannot be detoxified in the human digestive tract.
Clams
Aquatic bivalve mollusks known for their soft bodies enclosed within a hinged shell, often consumed as seafood or used in research.
Filter-Feeders
Organisms that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles from water, commonly found in aquatic environments.
Toxins
Poisonous substances produced by living organisms, often causing disease when entered into the body at sufficient quantities.
- Explain the defining features of molluscs and how they are classified among animal taxa.
Verified Answer
RM
Rendani mbodificationJul 25, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Clams are filter feeders, which means they filter water to obtain their food. However, this also means that pollutants and toxins present in the water become concentrated in their tissues. Therefore, consuming clams from polluted waters can lead to toxic reactions in humans.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the defining features of molluscs and how they are classified among animal taxa.