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Science 22 April 1966:
Vol. 152. no. 3721, pp. 523 - 525
DOI: 10.1126/science.152.3721.523
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Articles

Bivalve Mollusks: Fluid Dynamics of Burrowing

E. R. Trueman 1

1 Department of Zoology, The University, Hull, England

When bivalves burrow into soft substrates the foot is first extended and then dilated to obtain a firm anchorage before retraction pulls the shell downward. Pedal dilation is principally caused by adduction of the valves. The hinged shell futnctions as a hydraulic machine in which the strength of the adductor muscles is transferred to the distal part of the foot by means of the body fluids.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Bivalve Mollusk Burrowing Aided by Discordant Shell Ornamentation.
S. M. Stanley and S. M. Stanley (1969)
Science 166, 634-635
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)