The clams are mollusks that have two shells that close outward, classified as bivalve. There is no particular species for clams, but rather respond to this characteristic of two valves. They can be found both in fresh and salty water and are of great importance for the human being for their consumption in gastronomy. In this ecology article we will talk about How clams reproduceas well as we will detail the factors involved in its reproductive cycle.
Clams reproductive system
The reproductive system of each clam is particular to its species. In all cases, reproductive devices are found near the intestines And they are very simple. Exist three types of playback devices Of the clams:
- Separate sex clams: Also called Dioica clams, that is, they have separated sexes of male and female, they present particular gonads for each well differentiated sex. Male clams have testicles, spermiducts through which sperm are transferred outwards and a genital hole. The female clams have ovaries and oviducts, which transfer the ovules to the water, so that they are fertilized.
- Simultaneous hermaphrodites: It is very common for clams to be hermaphrodites. In some cases they can have both reproductive devices within themselves, with two gon pipelines that release gametes abroad. This hermaphroditism is known as simultaneous.
- Consecutive hermaphrodites: Other species have consecutive sexuality, that is, they alternate every sex season. Here the gonads differ between both sexes.
Check this post that we suggest to know more hermaphrodite animals: reproduction and examples, here.
Factors that can affect the reproduction of clams
The reproduction of clams can be affected by multiple causes that can interfere or improve development of gonads and gametes, in the process of spawning and fertilization, or during the development and growth of the daughters clams. These data are very important for those who grow clams for production and consumption.
Environmental factors
Within this group, the first factor is the amount of food availablesince it has been shown that with a food based on mixed microalgae and with unsaturated biolipids the larvae can mature better and the spawning is also more successful.
The temperature and change of stations They are involved in the reproductive cycle, being more fertile during the summer, with a high production of gametes. The salinity level and photoperiods also intervene. These factors are interpreted as signs that translate into primary messengers, usually neurotransmitters or hormones, within the particular tissues in which a function will be regulated.
Internal factors
Reproduction can also be affected by internal factors and these are those that determine the response to external factors. Both are interconnected. Internal factors They are usually particular to the speciessuch as behavioral and reproduction strategies, genetics and regulation of physiological functions.
Here we explain the reproduction of these bivalve mollusks. If you want to know more about mollusks: characteristics, types and examples, do not hesitate to take a look at this other ecology article.
How the Dioic clams reproduce
The reproduction of the clams that the separate sexes have, that is, the dioic clams has five phases that range from the inactive state to fertilization. Next, we detail them
- Inactive state: In this phase the clams are not ready to reproduce and have no gametes.
- Gónadas development: They develop as an answer to external and internal factors. Both the season of the year dictates that it is time for them to mature, as well as the genes that indicate the time in which the clam must develop its gonads. Maturation comes rather when they achieve a good size, variable according to the species.
- Gametogenesis: Once the gonads are ripe, gametes are produced within them through gametoogenesis, to form the precursors of the ovules and sperm, until they mature completely.
- Spawning: When the right time comes, the male and females clams are synchronized by pheromones to carry out the spawning. Here females release their water ovules, just like the male releases their sperm.
- Fertilization: The sperm must find the ovule to fertilize it, helped by water currents. This fertilization is external, and will give rise to the larvae. Some species may have internal fertilization. In this case, whether fertilized eggs or eggs without eggs, in the mantle cavity to attend their development, until they are released to complete their development until they are an adult. You may be interested in knowing this other article about external fertilization: what is and animals of ecology.
How the hermaphrodite clams reproduce
As we have said at the beginning of the article, the hermaphrodite clams can be of two types. Each of them carries out the following reproduction.
- In the case of clams with Simultaneous hermaphroditism: Self -feeding and low genetic variability is avoided releasing gametes in different seasons. Thus it is avoided that the offspring is not suitable.
- In the case of consecutive hermaphroditism: The gonads are modified alternating already female, although they can also differentiate from male to female, or vice versa, only once. In this case, gametes are released outside so that they find their opposite and that fertilization occurs.
If you want to read more articles similar to How clams reproducewe recommend that you enter our biology category.
- Martínez-Guzmán, G. (2008). Bivalve seed reproduction and production control in controlled systems. FAO Minutes of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- Gómez-Pompa, A., Barrera, A., Gutiérrez-Vázquez, J., & Halffter, G. (1980). Biology: unity, diversity and continuity of living beings. Mexico City: National Council for the Teaching of Biology.
