Anodon

/ˈænədɑn/ noun

Definition

A genus of freshwater mussels or clams characterized by lacking teeth for grinding food.

Etymology

From Greek an- (without) + odous (tooth), literally meaning 'toothless.' Named for the absence of grinding teeth on the shell.

Kelly Says

These mussels are filter feeders that can process huge volumes of water—some freshwater species can filter an entire bathtub in just minutes! They're nature's water purifiers and have been used by scientists to monitor water quality.

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