Yoldiids

Yoldiids are a group of bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Yoldiidae. They are characterized by their small, oval-shaped shells, which are typically less than 10 millimeters in length. Yoldiids are found in marine environments, particularly in soft sediments such as mud and sand, where they burrow to avoid predators and to obtain food.

The family Yoldiidae is divided into several genera, including Yoldia, which is the type genus, and others like Yoldiella and Yoldiopsis. These genera are further classified into various species, each with its own unique morphological and ecological characteristics.

Yoldiids play an important role in marine ecosystems as they contribute to sediment mixing and nutrient cycling. Their feeding habits involve filter feeding, where they ingest small particles of organic matter suspended in the water. This process helps to recycle nutrients within the ecosystem.

The taxonomy of Yoldiidae has been a subject of ongoing research, with new species and genera being described as more is learned about their diversity and distribution. Despite their small size, yoldiids are significant in the study of marine biology and paleoceanography, as their fossil records provide valuable information about past marine environments and climate changes.