Koppisimpukkaeläimet

Koppisimpukkaeläimet are a class of marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Mollusca. The name, which translates to "shelled mollusks" or "valve mollusks" in Finnish, refers to their characteristic two-part shell, or valves, that are hinged together. This is the defining feature that distinguishes them from other mollusk classes like gastropods (snails) or cephalopods (squid and octopuses).

These bivalves, as they are commonly known in English, are found in diverse marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They typically lead a sessile or semi-sessile lifestyle, often anchoring themselves to substrates like rocks, sand, or other organisms using a strong byssus thread. Some species are free-living and can burrow into sediments.

Koppisimpukkaeläimet are filter feeders. They draw water into their bodies through an incurrent siphon, passing it over their gills where food particles such as plankton and organic detritus are trapped. The filtered water is then expelled through an excurrent siphon. This feeding mechanism plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by helping to clarify the water.

Reproduction in koppisimpukkaeläimet is typically sexual, with external fertilization being common. Many species have a larval stage that is planktonic, allowing for dispersal to new areas. This class includes a vast array of well-known and economically important species such as oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams.