Go Shelling Day
What are Seashells?
A seashell or sea shell, also known simply as a shell, is a hard, protective outer layer. All those seashells you find on the beach were actually once home to small, soft-bodied creatures called mollusks. Clams, pipis, scallops, mussels and oysters are all different types of mollusks. Not all mollusks have shells. For example, an octopus is also a mollusk and it doesn’t have a shell. But the mollusks who do have shells have to build their own shell from scratch. And they keep building it their whole life. If damaged, the mollusk’s body can produce more proteins, calcium and carbonate to repair the broken part of the shell. When a mollusk dies, the soft body disappears but its shell remains and eventually washes up on the shore. This is how seashells end up on the beach.
Why are seashells important for the environment?
As you know, there are many types of seashells out there and lots of different shapes, sizes and colors of shell. Over time, mollusks have grown to have the type of shell that helps it best survive in its environment. For example, some shells help protect the mollusk against animals that want to eat it, while others are designed to make it easier for the mollusk to dig down fast to get away. The color of the shell depends mainly on what the mollusk has eaten.
Before you collect seashells from the beach, think about how important they are to the planet. Seashells may not be home to mollusks anymore, but they can still be used as homes by hermit crabs or young fish. Birds also use shells to build their nests. So you can see, some animals need the shells more than we do. A good choice is to take pictures of them instead of taking them home!
It is important to practice leave no trace principles. We recommend that you leave all rocks, plants, and shells on the beach for others to enjoy. If you do decide to bring home a beach souvenir, make sure it is not inhabited, and only take one or two. If you come across garbage on your travels, we recommend that you ask your parents to help you safely pick it up and dispose of it. Bring home any garbage from your snacks to prevent polluting this beautiful ocean biome.
Some great books on seaside adventures:
Fun facts about seashells:
Most shells "open" to the right. 90% of shells are dextral, which means their opening is to the right. If you find one that opens to the left... cool! That is super rare.
No need for a U-Haul... Mollusks never move! Well, they move around the ocean as much as they are able, but they only live in one shell for their entire lives. This shell is actually an exoskeleton, made of proteins and calcium carbonate. It grows as the animal grows!
The largest seashell is the Australian Trumpet. It can weigh up to 40 lbs., and are created by gigantic sea snails.