All articles tagged with #bivalves
Ancient fossils reveal that during the 66 million-year-old asteroid-induced mass extinction, most bivalve species survived despite losing many, and their ecological roles persisted, though the ocean's biodiversity landscape was forever altered. The study highlights how ecosystems recover unpredictably after mass extinctions, offering lessons for current biodiversity crises driven by human activity.
Researchers have used Bayesian analysis to study the decline of brachiopods and the rise of bivalves after the end-Permian mass extinction, shedding light on the transition from ancient-style to modern-style ocean ecosystems. The study found that bivalves, such as oysters and clams, were better adapted to changing conditions and eventually replaced brachiopods as the dominant shelled animals. Both groups were hit hard by the mass extinction, but bivalves were able to adapt better to high ocean temperatures, giving them an edge in the post-extinction recovery. The findings provide insights into how life rebounded after near-annihilation and set the foundation for modern ecosystems.
A new study conducted by paleontologists from the University of Bristol and Wuhan University challenges the long-held belief that bivalves outcompeted brachiopods during the end-Permian mass extinction. The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests that both groups were equally affected by the crisis and responded to similar external drivers. While bivalves eventually thrived and adapted to high ocean temperatures, brachiopods retreated to deeper waters. The study sheds light on the evolution of life after the mass extinction and the construction of modern ecosystems.
Harvard experts suggest that incorporating smaller fish and bivalves, such as herring, mackerel, sardines, clams, and mussels, into your seafood diet can provide a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and essential micronutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. These smaller fish are also rich in calcium and vitamin D due to consuming the entire fish, including skin and bones. Additionally, smaller fish have lower levels of mercury compared to larger carnivorous fish. Canned options are convenient and cost-effective, with sardines being a recommended choice for their affordability and omega-3 content.