Clam Dissection Lab
Name:_________________________
Lab Partner:_________________________
Period:_________________________
 Working with a lab partner, clear off your table with the exception of a pencil, your
biology book, and your notes on mollusks.
Obtain a dissection tray, and dissection tools.
Obtain a preserved clam cadaver.
Remember that even though these are dead organisms, we treat animals
respectfully!
This lab is worth 37 points.
 To make this lab up outside of class, to finish it, or for further practice, visit the
following link, and look at the pictures of the prepared dissected clams:
http://biog-1101-1104.bio.cornell.edu/BioG101_104/tutorials/animals/clam.html
Measurements and External Anatomy
1. Classify the clam!
a. Kingdom: ______________________________
b. Phylum: _______________________________
c. Class: ________________________________
2. Sketch the outline of the clam carefully, showing which way each side curves.
a. Label anterior end
b. Label the posterior end
c. Label the dorsal side
d. Label the ventral side
3. Measure the length of
a. the distance from anterior to posterior
another: ______________cm
b. the distance from ventral to dorsal
another: _____________cm
4. Locate the umbo. It is the rounded part near the hinge. Is this the newest or the
oldest part of the clam’s shell? ______________________________________
5. Count the growth rings of your clam! _________________________________
 Open the clam! The muscles that normally hold it shut have already been cut for
you.
6. Locate the serration in the shell along the hinge and opening of the clam!
a. What is their function? ___________________________________________
7. Locate the mantle that is on top! Carefully remove it after you have identified it.
a. What is its function? _____________________________________________
8. Sketch the inside as you see it now, with the mantle removed, outlining any distinct
organs and features you can see!
 Locate the following structures (9-19) on your clam and label them on your drawing!
9. Shell
a. function _________________________________________________________
10. Hinge
a. function _________________________________________________________
11. Anterior adductor muscle
a. function _________________________________________________________
12. Posterior adductor muscle
a. function _________________________________________________________
13. Foot
a. function _________________________________________________________
14. Visceral mass
a. function _________________________________________________________
15. Mantle
a. function _________________________________________________________
16. Incurrent siphon
a. function _________________________________________________________
17. Excurrent siphon
a. function _________________________________________________________
18. Gills
a. function _________________________________________________________
19. Palpi
a. function _________________________________________________________
Now, locate the structures (9-19) on this diagram and label them!