Arcidae

/ɑːrˈsɪdi.iː/ noun

Definition

A family of marine bivalve mollusks commonly known as ark clams or ark shells, characterized by their boat-shaped shells.

Etymology

Modern Latin taxonomic name from Latin 'arca' (chest or box, also an ark), referring to the shape of their shells that resembles a small chest or Noah's ark.

Kelly Says

Ark clams have been around since the Paleozoic Era and their shells look exactly like tiny Noah's arks—which is why Linnaeus named the whole family after the biblical vessel.

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