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Multiple Choice
Which one of the following mollusc groups is classified as suspension feeders?
A
Cephalopoda
B
Gastropoda
C
Polyplacophora
D
Bivalvia
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the term 'suspension feeders.' Suspension feeders are organisms that feed by filtering small particles, such as plankton, from water. They typically use specialized structures to trap and consume these particles.
Step 2: Review the characteristics of the mollusc groups listed in the problem. Cephalopoda includes squids and octopuses, which are active predators. Gastropoda includes snails and slugs, which are grazers or scavengers. Polyplacophora includes chitons, which scrape algae off surfaces. Bivalvia includes clams, mussels, and oysters, which are known for their filter-feeding behavior.
Step 3: Focus on Bivalvia. Members of this group possess gills that are adapted for both respiration and feeding. Water flows through their bodies, and their gills trap food particles suspended in the water.
Step 4: Compare the feeding strategies of the groups. Only Bivalvia fits the description of suspension feeders, as the other groups have different feeding mechanisms.
Step 5: Conclude that Bivalvia is the correct answer based on their specialized filter-feeding adaptations, which align with the definition of suspension feeding.