#mussel fossil

[echinoid-fossils-on-the-rocks]

Tiny mussel imprints

Sometimes I wonder how many tiny fossils, imprints of mussel or brachiopode we missing around in all the pieces of rocks, or rock matrix.

Meistens hier typisch Feuerstein Flint, brüchige gespaltene Scherben mit kleinen Muschelabrücke, teils mit Schalenmuster, aber keine art Bruch muschelig. Teils kristallisierte.

[prasemvanguardgerman]

The new mussel prints on flint stones.

Nice size, the biggest from all brachiopode finds with no cracks.

Nice in the grey color, i am so glad this broke so smouth from its surrounding stone to held its form.

Please look into the alike post of it in my other side-blog.

[bestanimal]

Round 2 - Mollusca - Bivalvia

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Bivalvia is a class of molluscs whose bodies are enclosed by a pair of half-shells called valves, though some bivalves, like the Naked Clam (Chlamydoconcha orcutti) (image 2) have secondarily lost their shells. Bivalves have no head and no radula. Their gills have evolved into ctenidia, specialised organs for feeding and breathing. Bivalvia includes the clades Heteroconchia, Palaeoheterodonta, Protobranchia, Pteriomorphia, and animals commonly known as clams, oysters, cockles, mussels, and scallops.

Bivalves live in marine and freshwater environments. Most are filter feeders that bury themselves in sediment, lie on their side on the seafloor, or attach themselves to rocks or other hard surfaces. Some bivalves, such as scallops and file shells, can swim (see gif below). Shipworms bore into wood, clay, or stone and live inside these substances. Bivalve shells are composed of two calcareous valves joined along one edge by a flexible ligament that, usually in conjunction with interlocking "teeth" on each of the valves, forms the hinge, allowing the animal to open and close its shell. The animal secrets its shell from lobes on its mantle. They have a foot located at the front of their shell and two siphons in the back, which inhale and expell water. The shipworms, of the family Teredinidae, have elongated bodies but tiny, reduced shell valves, which function as scraping organs that permit the animal to dig tunnels through wood. Bivalves have sensory organs located on the margins of their mantle, usually mechanoreceptors or chemoreceptors, sometimes on short tentacles. All bivalves have light-sensitive cells that can detect a shadow falling over the animal, some have simple eyes on the margin of the mantle, and scallops have complex eyes with a lens, a two-layered retina, and a concave mirror. Most bivalves are filter feeders, using their gills to capture particles of food such as phytoplankton from the water. Protobranchs feed in a different way, scraping detritus from the seabed with mucus-covered tentacles. A few bivalves, such as the Granular Poromya (Poromya granulata), are carnivorous, eating larger prey like small crustaceans, though they will also scavenge. It does this though its inhalant siphon which is modified into a cowl-shaped organ, sucking in prey, and then inverting to bring the prey within reach of the mouth.

Most bivalves have separate sexes, though some are hermaphroditic. Fertilization is external in most species. Spawning may take place continually or be triggered by environmental factors such as day length, water temperature, or the presence of sperm in the water. Eggs hatch into free-swimming, planktonic trochophore larvae. These later develop into veliger larvae which settle on the seabed and undergo metamorphosis into adults. In some species, such as those in the genus Lasaea, females draw sperm in through their inhalant siphons and fertilize their eggs inside their bodies. These species then brood the young inside their mantle cavity, eventually releasing them into the water column as veliger or glochidia larvae or as crawl-away juveniles. The juveniles of freshwater bivalves will attach themselves parasitically to the gills or fins of a fish host. After several weeks they drop off their host, undergo metamorphosis and develop into adults on the substrate.

Bivalves first appear in the fossil record in the Early Cambrian. Possible early bivalves include Pojetaia and Fordilla, though these are probably stem-bivalves. True Cambrian bivalves may include Camya, Arhouriella, and Buluniella. Bivalves began to diversify during the Early Ordovician. By the Early Silurian, gills were adapting for filter-feeding, and during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, siphons first appeared along with the newly developed muscular foot. At this point Brachiopods were still the most dominant filter-feeders in the ocean, but the Permian–Triassic extinction event hit both brachiopods and bivalves hard, but resulted in bivalves becoming the more common filter-feeders by the Triassic Period.

(source)

Propaganda under the cut:

Bivalves have long been a part of the diet of coastal and riparian human populations. Oysters were cultured in ponds by the Romans, and mariculture has more recently become an important source of bivalves for food.

Pearl Oysters (the common name of two very different saltwater and freshwater families) are the most common source of natural pearls.

Some of the species in the freshwater mussel family Unionidae (commonly known as Pocketbook Mussels) have evolved an unusual reproductive strategy. The female's mantle protrudes from the shell and develops into an imitation small fish, complete with fish-like markings and false eyes. This decoy moves in the current and attracts the attention of real fish. When fish approach for a closer look the mussel releases huge numbers of larvae from its gills, dousing the inquisitive fish with its tiny, parasitic young. These glochidia larvae are drawn into the fish's gills, where they attach and trigger a tissue response that forms a small cyst around each larva. The larvae feed on the tissue of the fish within the cysts. After a few weeks they release themselves from the cysts and fall to the stream bed as juvenile molluscs.

One genus, Entovalva, are parasitic as adults, being found only in the esophagus of sea cucumbers. They attach themselves via byssal threads to the host's throat, filter-feeding from the sediment sucked in by the sea cucumber. (This does not hurt the sea cucumber.)

The largest bivalve is the Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas) which can weigh over 200 kilograms (440 lb), measure as much as 120 cm (3.11 ft) across, and have an average lifespan in the wild of more than 100 years.

The shells of bivalves are used in craftwork, and the manufacture of jewellery and buttons.

As filter-feeders, bivalves are natural water filters. A single 5.08 cm (2 inch) clam can filter up to 10-12 gallons of seawater a day. They can even filter microplastics out of polluted water.

When they live in polluted waters, bivalves have a tendency to accumulate substances such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in their tissues. This is because they ingest the chemicals as they feed but their enzyme systems are not capable of metabolising them and as a result, the levels build up. This may be a health hazard for the molluscs themselves, and is one for humans who eat them. It also has advantages in that bivalves can be used in monitoring the presence and quantity of pollutants in their environment.

The farming of bivalves is more ecologically-friendly than the farming of chordates as, rather than create waste, bivalves like mussels and oysters actually clean the water.

Scallops have beautiful eyes:

(source)

[imexperiencinggrowthgetoverit]

List of all SDV and SDV:E (Stardew Valley: Expanded) Giftable Items

Horseradish

Daffodil

Leek

Dandelion

Parsnip

Cave Carrot

Coconut

Cactus

Banana

Sap

Large Egg

Egg

Milk

Large Milk

Green Bean

Cauliflower

Potato

Garlic

Kale

Rhubarb

Melon

Tomato

Morsel

Blueberry

Fiddlehead Fern

Hot Pepper

Wheat

Radish

Red Cabbage

Starfruit

Corn

Rice

Eggplant

Artichoke

Pumpkin

Bokchoy

Yam

Chanterelle

Cranberry

Holly

Beets

Ostrich Egg

Salmonberry

Amouranth

Pale Ale

Hops

Void Egg

Mayonnaise

Duck Mayonnaise

Void Mayonnaise

Clay

Copper Bar

Silver Bar

Gold Bar

Iridium Bar

Refined Quartz

Honey

Pickles

Jam

Beer

Wine

Juice

Clam

Poppy

Copper Ore

Silver Ore

Coal

Gold Ore

Iridium Ore

Wood

Stone

Nautilus Shell

Coral

Summer Shell

Spice Berry

Sea Urchin

Grape

Spring Onion

Strawberry

Sweet Pea

Common Mushroom

Wild Plum

Hazelnut

Blackberry

Winter Root

Crystal Fruit

Snow Yam

Sweet Gem Berry

Crocus

Red Mushroom

Sunflower

Purple Mushroom

Cheese

Goat Cheese

Cloth

Truffle

Truffle Oil

Coffee Bean

Goat Milk

Large Goat Milk

Wool

Duck Egg

Duck Feather

Caviar

Lucky Rabbit’s Foot

Aged Roe

Ancient Fruit

Mead

Tulip

Summer Spangle

Fairy Rose

Blue Jazz

Apple

Green Tea

Apricot

Orange

Peach

Pomegranate

Cherry

Bug Meat

Hardwood

Maple Syrup

Oak Resin

Pine Tar

Slime

Bat Wing

Rusty Blade

Swirl Stone

Solar Essence

Void Essence

Void Pebble

Void Shard

Void Soul

Fiber

Battery

Dinosaur Mayonnaise

Roe

Squid Ink

Tea Leaves

Ginger

Taro Root

Pineapple

Mango

Cinder Shard

Magma Cap

Bone Fragment

Radioactive Ore

Radioactive Bar

Ancient Fiber

Bearberry

Conch

Dried Sand Dollar

Ferngill Primrose

Golden Ocean Flower

Goldenrod

Green Mushroom

Four-Leaf Clover

Monster Fruit

Monster Mushroom

Mushroom Colony

Poison Mushroom

Red Baneberry

Salal Berry

Slime Berry

Rafflesia

Sports Drink

Stamina Capsule

Thistle

Void Root

Winter Star Ross

Dewdrop Berry

Aged Blue Moon Wine

Blue Moon Wine

Aegis Elixir

Armor Elixir

Barbarian Elixir

Gravity Elixir

Haste Exilir

Hero Elixir

Lightning Elixir

Pufferfish

Anchovy

Tuna

Sardine

Bream

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Rainbow Trout

Salmon

Walleye

Perch

Carp

Catfish

Pike

Sunfish

Red Snapper

Herring

Eel

Octopus

Red Mullet

Squid

Seaweed

Green Algae

Seacucumber

Super Seacucumber

Ghost Carp

White Algae

Stone Fish

Crimsonfish

Angler

Icepip

Lava Eel

Legend

Sandfish

Scorpion Carp

Flounder

Midnight Carp

Mutant Carp

Sturgeon

Tiger Trout

Bullhead

Tilapia

Chub

Dorado

Albacore

Shad

Lingcod

Halibut

Lobster

Crayfish

Crab

Cockle

Mussel

Shrimp

Snail

Periwinkle

Oyster

Woodskip

Glacierfish

Void Salmon

Slimejack

Midnight Squid

Spookfish

Blobfish

Stingray

Lionfish

Blue Discus

Baby Lunaloo

Bonefish

Bull Trout

Butterfish

Clownfish

Daggerfish

Dulse Seaweed

Frog

Gemfish

Goldenfish

Grass Carp

King Salmon

Kittyfish

Lunaloo

Meteor Carp

Minnow

Puppyfish

Radioactive Bass

Razor Trout

Seahorse

Sea Sponge

Shiny Lunaloo

Snatcher Worm

Starfish

Torpedo Trout

Undeadfish

Void Eel

Water Grub

Dwarf Scroll 1

Dwarf Scroll 2

Dwarf Scroll 3

Dwarf Scroll 4

Chipped Amphora

Arrowhead

Ancient Doll

Elvish Jewelry

Chewing Stick

Ornamental Fan

Dinosaur Egg

Rare Disc

Ancient Sword

Rusty Spoon

Rusty Spur

Rusty Cog

Chicken Statue

Ancient Seed

Prehistoric Tool

Dried Starfish

Anchor

Glass Shards

Bone Flute

Prehistoric Handaxe

Dwarvish Helm

Dwarf Gadget

Ancient Drum

Golden Mask

Golden Relic

Strange Doll

Strange Doll

Prehistoric Scapula

Prehistoric Tibia

Prehistoric Skull

Skeletal Hand

Prehistoric Rib

Prehistoric Vertebrae

Skeletal Tail

Nautilus Shell

Amphibian Fossil

Palm Fossil

Trilobite

Emerald

Aquamarine

Ruby

Amethyst

Topaz

Jade

Diamond

Prismatic Shard

Quartz

Fire Quartz

Frozen Tear

Earth Crystal

Alamite

Bixite

Baryite

Aerinite

Calcite

Dolomite

Esperite

Fluorapatite

Geminite

Helvite

Jamborite

Jagoite

Kyanite

Lunarite

Malachite

Nepunite

Lemon Stone

Nekoite

Orpiment

Petrified Slime

Thunder Egg

Pyrite

Ocean Stone

Ghost Crystal

Tiger’s Eye

Jasper

Opal

Fire Opal

Celestine

Marble

Sandstone

Granite

Basalt

Limestone

Soapstone

Hematite

Mudstone

Obsidian

Slate

Fairy Stone

Star Shards

Fried Egg

Omelet

Salad

Cheese Cauliflower

Baked Fish

Parsnip Soup

Vegetable Medley

Complete Breakfast

Fried Calimari

Strange Bun

Lucky Lunch

Fried Mushrooms

Pizza

Bean Hotpot

Glazed Yams

Carp Surprise

Hashbrowns

Pancakes

Salmon Dinner

Fish Taco

Crispy Bass

Pepper Poppers

Bread

Tom Kha Soup

Trout Soup

Chocolate Cake

Pink Cake

Rhubarb Pie

Cookies

Spaghetti

Spicy Eel

Sashimi

Maki Roll

Tortilla

Red Plate

Eggplant Parmesan

Rice Pudding

Ice Cream

Bluberry Tart

Autumn’s Bounty

Pumpkin Soup

Super Meal

Cranberry Sauce

Stuffing

Farmer’s Lunch

Survival Burger

Dish’O’The Sea

Miner’s Treat

Roots Platter

Triple Shot Espresso

Seafoam Pudding

Algae Soup

Pale Broth

Plum Pudding

Artichoke Dip

Stir Fry

Roasted Hazelnuts

Pumpkin Pie

Radish Salad

Fruit Salad

Blackberry Cobbler

Cranberry Candy

Bruschetta

Coleslaw

Fiddlehead Risotto

Poppyseed Muffin

Chowder

Fish Stew

Escargot

Lobster Bisque

Maple Bar

Crab Cakes

Shrimp Cocktail

Ginger Ale

Banana Pudding

Mango Sticky Rice

Poi

Tropical Curry

Squid Ink Ravioli

Mushroom Berry Rice

Big Bark Burger

Flower Cookie

Frog Legs

Glazed Butterfish

Grampleton Orange Chicken

Mixed Berry Pie

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Void Delight

Void Salmon Sushi

[blue--ingenue]

went to the beach yesterday :) found a fossilized mussel shaped like a heart :)

[rabbitcruiser]

National Fried Scallops Day

October is a treasure trove of a month for celebrating seafood, and what better way to start the feast than by celebrating National Fried Scallops Day on October 2? When cooked the right way, scallops become the perfect melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, taking you on a food ride of oceanic excellence. Scallops belong to the Pectinidae family of mollusks. They can swim in the water by rapidly closing and opening their shells using a muscle, which is usually the most consumed part by humans. Scallops are enjoyed in a variety of ways (i.e. in soups, pasta, or sushi), but one of the most popular and loved scallops are the ones fried in butter and a mixture of herbs and other flavors.

History of National Fried Scallops Day

While all our attention will be on some delicious fried scallops this National Fried Scallops Day, did you know that it is usually oysters that tend to get all the love whenever shellfish is being talked about? Yes, oysters are great, but scallops are pretty on par with them. Scallops have been around for a long time now. They have been found in fossil forms that are as old as 300 million years. The marine bivalve mollusks come from the general family of Pectinidae. Their cosmopolitanism means that they can be found in every ocean in the world, making them a good source for studying the science of oceans. Scallops are known to travel short distances, but they are also capable of traveling great distances by simply moving their shells rapidly on the ocean floor. Apart from their delicious meat, scallops are also appreciated and prized for their aesthetically colorful shells. Many vacationers and beach enthusiasts collect the shells to keep as prized possessions in their collections.

Scallops started gaining popularity in the U.S. in the 19th century only, as before that the food item wasn’t considered to be the choice food for many. When people started immigrating to America in the 1600s, they found the shores to be rich with food, ranging from shellfish to cod, and it was the latter that was harvested more. Clams, lobsters, shrimps, and oysters were the most popular of the shellfish, while mussels and scallops were not a favorite due to their unconventional sweet flavors. However, as more and more people came to America, scallops recipes started evolving, and by the 1920s, the food item had become a staple in American households and on restaurant menus. People enjoyed it by sauteing it and frying it in butter. Many also liked it baked, stuffed, and pickled.

National Fried Scallops Day timeline

300 Million Years Ago: Fossilized Scallops

Scientists discover fossilized scallops, giving evidence of their presence on planet earth.

1846: Earliest Written Recipe

A recipe of sauteing and stewing scallops appears in “Miss Beecher’s Domestic Receipt Book,” which is recorded as one of the earliest books to have a recipe for scallops in it.

1920s–1930s: Scallops Popularity

The evolution of new scallops recipes takes the food item to levels of fame it never experienced before.

1950s: Scallops in French Restaurants

Many French restaurants start serving unique scallops dishes like Coquille St. Jacques.

National Fried Scallops Day FAQs

Is a scallop a mollusk?

Yes, a scallop is a mollusk. To be more precise, it is a bivalve mollusk (like oysters and clams), which is a shellfish that has a two-part hinged shell containing soft invertebrates.

Where are scallops found?

Scallops are found in all oceans of the world, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Specific species of scallops will be found in specific areas. For instance, bay scallops are only found in bays and shallow waters.

How can you tell a real scallop from a fake scallop?

Real scallops will have distinct fibers running lengthwise, having the same thickness all around their edges. On the other hand, a fake scallop will most likely have fewer fibers and will be uneven.

National Fried Scallops Day Activities

Fry scallops

Visit a clam shack

Try a new scallops dish

Fried scallops are one of the simplest dishes out there, but it does require a certain level of cooking experience to prepare it properly. It’s very easy to overcook it, and if you do that, you will have scallops that are rubbery and chewy to eat. Perfectly cooked scallops simply melt in your mouth. So try your hand at frying some scallops.

You may have tried fried scallops from a five-star restaurant, but have you tried one at a good ol’ clam shack? Oftentimes, the fried scallops being served at such places come from freshly caught produce, so the flavors will hit differently in the best way possible.

Fried scallops are a classic in their own right. The dish’s versatility also means that it goes great with many other food recipes. Try your hand at pasta or soup with scallops as the star of the dish.

5 Facts About Scallops That Will Blow Your Mind

Rings on their shell indicate their age

Shell is always partially open

Symbol of birth

Cleanest shellfish

Eyes on shells edges

The rings on a scallop shell point to its age, with a ring being added for each year of its life.

A scallop shell will always remain partially open, unlike oysters or mussels.

Scallop shells are a symbol of birth in Christianity and Greek mythology.

Unlike their cousins like clams, scallops are one of the cleanest shellfish out there as their muscles do not filter water.

Scallops have around 50 eyes around the edges of their shells, using them to detect light and movement around them.

Why We Love National Fried Scallops Day

It’s a celebration of scallops

It’s a celebration of natural cosmopolitanism

It’s a celebration of food variety

Scallops might have been underrated in the past, but today we celebrate them with full fanfare. Their amazing qualities relating to their biological features and movements are fodder for fascination and imagination, so much so that, apart from the food world, scallops have become an important part of religion, culture, art, and literature.

If humans won’t understand the value of cosmopolitanism, then who will? Cosmopolitanism has been of immense benefit to many around the world. From experiencing new cultures and languages to getting exposed to newer perspectives, it has shown us how things are meant to be. Scallops, which are just one example of nature’s cosmopolitanism, show us how to adapt according to the environment we are in.

Because scallops are found in every corner of the world, the ways you can enjoy them are countless. Have it in butter or with soup, pasta, or stew — the choices are endless. There’s something for everyone here.

Source

[sepdet]

Also I remember collecting trilobite fossils on the shores of Lake Ontario — crack open the clack shale, smell the petrochemicals (a black sheen that quickly volatilized), and be left with thumbnail-sized trilobites and/or crinoid bits

And since the 1980s the Russisn zebra mussel has invaded through the bilge tanks of ships, making the Great Lakes eerily clear by gobbling up almost all the plankton and food particles in the water, outcompeting native mussels and clams, crashing food webs, making marine life far more visible and vulnerable to predators, choking docks and motors and underwater gear, but revealing lost shipwrecs to aerial surveys .

5 main Great Lakes 94,250 square miles (244,106 km2)

ITS GREAT LAKES AWARENESS DAY!!!!!

On this excellent day, be aware that this is the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, covering over 95,000 square miles and reaching depths of over a thousand feet. They are beautiful freshwater seas.

Also when you die in these lakes, the very cold, oxygen-poor conditions at the bottom preserves you perfectly for all eternity. You will not rot and nothing will eat you. You will exist for as long as the Great Lakes do. Many shipwrecks still have the crew on board. Be Aware.

[earthvitalsignimpact]

Earth's Vital Signs: The Pulse of a Changing Planet

by UEVS and the power of AI

Earth's Vital Signs: The Pulse of a Changing Planet

Just as a physician monitors vital signs—heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation—to assess human health, scientists track key planetary indicators to determine the stability of Earth's systems. These Earth vital signs provide crucial insights into the planet’s ability to sustain life, regulate climate, and maintain ecological balance.

At the University of Earth Vital Signs (UEVS), students are trained to interpret these signals, recognizing the interconnected feedback loops that drive planetary stability or collapse. The following are the most critical biogeophysical indicators shaping Earth's trajectory:

1. Atmospheric CO₂ Concentration: The Carbon Imbalance

Current Levels: > 420 ppm (parts per million)—the highest in at least 3 million years. (NOAA)

Pre-Industrial Baseline: ~ 280 ppm.

Annual Increase: ~2.5 ppm per year (doubling from pre-Industrial rates).

Primary Cause: Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and land-use changes.

Consequences:

Increased radiative forcing → More heat trapped in the atmosphere.

Polar ice melt acceleration → Sea-level rise, ocean current disruptions.

Extreme weather intensification → More heatwaves, hurricanes, and shifting precipitation patterns.

🔬 Scientific Insight: Ice core data from Antarctica confirms that CO₂ levels have never exceeded 300 ppm in the last 800,000 years—until now. The current trajectory mirrors conditions last seen in the Pliocene Epoch (3.3–3.0 million years ago), when temperatures were 2–3.5°C warmer and sea levels were 15-25 meters higher than today. (Earth.org)

2. Global Temperature Rise: Earth's Fever

Global Surface Temperature Increase (Since 1880): +1.2°C

Projected Warming by 2100 (If No Drastic Action Taken): +3–4°C

Recent Record-Breaking Year: 2023 was the hottest year in recorded history.

Primary Cause: Increased greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations trapping more energy in the Earth system.

Consequences:

Heatwaves & Wildfires → 2023 wildfires in Canada released more CO₂ than all human activities in the country.

Glacial Melt & Sea-Level Rise → Greenland and Antarctica losing 500+ billion tons of ice per year.

Ecosystem Shifts → Coral reefs bleaching, forests collapsing due to heat and drought.

🌍 Tipping Point Warning: If global temperatures exceed 1.5°C, key climate tipping points could activate, including:

Amazon Rainforest Dieback: From a carbon sink to a carbon source.

West Antarctic & Greenland Ice Sheet Collapse: Locked-in sea-level rise of several meters.

Arctic Permafrost Thaw: Releasing methane (CH₄), a greenhouse gas 80x more potent than CO₂ over 20 years.

3. Ocean Acidification: The Silent Crisis

Current pH: 8.1 (Pre-industrial: 8.2) (NOAA)

pH Drop Since 1800s: 26% increase in ocean acidity. (Nature)

Cause: CO₂ dissolving into seawater → carbonic acid formation (H₂CO₃)

Consequences:

Coral Bleaching & Reef Collapse: Acidification weakens calcium carbonate structures, disrupting entire marine food chains.

Shellfish & Plankton Damage: Oysters, mussels, and pteropods struggle to form shells, reducing their populations and affecting higher food chain levels.

Disruption of Ocean Carbon Pump: Many plankton species help sequester carbon deep into the ocean, but acidification weakens this process.

🌊 Scientific Concern: The decrease in pH from 8.2 to 8.1 represents a 26% increase in ocean acidity, derived from the logarithmic nature of the pH scale. This acidification is 100x faster than any point in the last 50 million years. Past mass extinctions (e.g., End-Permian Extinction, 252 million years ago) were linked to rapid ocean acidification events, raising concerns about cascading ecological effects.

4. Biosphere Integrity: The Sixth Mass Extinction

Species Extinction Rate: 100–1000x the natural background rate. (Conservation Biology)

Estimated Species Lost Annually: ~1 million species at risk of extinction. (United Nations)

Primary Drivers:

Habitat destruction (deforestation, agriculture, urban expansion).

Climate change stress (heat, drought, extreme weather).

Overexploitation (overfishing, illegal wildlife trade).

🦠 Scientific Evidence: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported in 2019 that approximately 1 million species are threatened with extinction within the next few decades, driven primarily by human activities. This aligns with findings in Conservation Biology, which show that current extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background rates.

5. Ocean Circulation Disruptions: The AMOC Collapse Threat

Key Ocean Conveyor at Risk: Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

Observed Weakening: Approximately 15% decline since the mid-20th century. (Carbon Brief)

Potential Collapse Window: Between 2037 and 2064, with a central estimate around 2050. (Nature Communications)

Cause: Greenland ice melt disrupting salinity gradients, which drive ocean circulation.

Consequences:

Europe Cooling, Tropics Heating: AMOC slowdown could cause significant cooling in Europe while intensifying hurricanes in the Americas.

Monsoon Failure: Disrupting rainfall patterns across West Africa, India, and South America, threatening food security for billions.

Rising Sea Levels Along Eastern US Coast: A weaker AMOC causes water to pile up, accelerating coastal flooding and erosion.

Summary

Earth's vital signs are showing alarming trends, with atmospheric CO₂ levels, global temperatures, ocean acidification, potential AMOC collapse and biodiversity loss reaching unprecedented levels. These indicators serve as a dire warning that our planet is facing severe environmental challenges.

Through the University of Earth Vital Signs (UEVS), students and researchers are working to understand these crises and explore solutions based on science, innovation, and traditional wisdom. The balance of Earth’s systems is delicate, and urgent action is needed to prevent irreversible damage.

As Elana reflects on the challenges of planetary health, she realizes that scientific knowledge must be combined with wisdom from ancient traditions to foster a deeper connection with the Earth. Only by recognizing the interconnectedness of all life and taking decisive action can we hope to restore balance and ensure a sustainable future.

[drhoz]

#2816 - Jacquinotia edwardsii - Southern Spider Crab

New Zealand's largest crab - up to 1m in legspan. They're abundant around Aotearoa's subantarctic islands, where they can be found in densities of up to 10 crabs per square metre. Males forage on mussels and probably other shellfish, while females are detritus feeders, and juveniles feed on drift algae.

Despite several attempts, there is no established fishery for the crabs, which are now usually caught as bycatch by squid vessels.

Fossils some 1.8myo found on the North Island are not only evidence of their wider range in the past, but also of how rapid the uplift of the area has been - since they're now 1km above sea-level, the average rate of vertical movement must be at least 0.6mm a year.

Otago Museum, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand

[echinoid-fossils-on-the-rocks]

Was now out walking to the woods on my neighborhood. Found some handful of flint fossils.

The damaged Echinocorys has an good size and weight,

[prasemvanguardgerman]

Last Fossil Friday on May.

The only interesting new finds were these fragmented sea urchins, the white yellowish is an great addition to the other post before.

And one new mussel flint imprint, ( right one) with the nice pattern, no cracks or sharp edges, the underside is also smooth in good condition.

It has some of the form and size like the other previous found on the last week. I did not know of their genus, some suggestion about brachiopode were great to learn, and for others to read.

[ninjaotta]

beach haul from my family’s holiday to norfolk!

1.5 sea urchins

20 scallop shells

11 belemnite fossils

2 massive mussel shells

cool rocks (23)

pretty shells & bits (8)

17 sea glass

one (1) bit of porcelain or something that was real nice n smooth

[bestanimal]

Round 1 - Phylum Bryozoa

(sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Bryozoa is a phylum of animals that, like many Cnidarians, live in colonies of cloned zooids that make up a larger organism, though some solitary species exist. They are commonly known as “Moss Animals”. Each individual bryozoan is usually about half a millimetre long. Colonies of bryozoans can take a variety of forms, including mats, fans, bushes, crusts, and balls. All bryozoans are filter feeders, using a crown of tentacles called a lophophore which surrounds a mouth. Most live in tropical saltwater, but some also live in oceanic trenches, polar seas, brackish water, and freshwater. 5,869 living species of bryozoan are known.

In a colony of bryozoans, there are different types of zooids responsible for different functions. All bryozoans will have autozooids (seen in the first image), which are responsible for feeding, excretion, and supplying nutrients to the rest of the colony. Some species have specialist zooids, including hatcheries for fertilized eggs, defense structures, root-like attachment structures, and/or spiny defensive zooids that are used as legs to slowly creep along. Each zooid consists of a cystid, which provides the body wall and produces an exoskeleton, and a polypide, which holds the organs. Each colony grows by asexual budding from a single zooid known as the ancestrula. Most start life as males, later changing to female, though colonies will always contain a balanced ratio of males and females. Although the zooids themselves are microscopic, colonies can range in size from 1 cm to over 1 m (3 ft 3 in).

Propaganda under the cut:

Bryozoans are an important part of the food chain, and are preyed on by nudibranchs, fish, sea urchins, pycnogonids, crustaceans, mites, starfish, snails, and insects. Likewise they are also important filter feeders, providing filtering services just like mussels and sponges do.

Fossil bryozoans are known as far back as the early Cambrian, making them one of the youngest phyla in the fossil record. (Though they may have appeared earlier and just not fossilized due to less mineralization in their skeletons.)

The genus Monobryozoon are the only bryozoans that don’t live in colonies. Their name literally means “Alone Moss Animal”. They are very rare, considered almost a mythical animal among scientists. One species has been found 3 times, another species once, and the last species may not even exist, as its one sighting was not confirmed.

Species that can produce defensive zooids only do so in response to a threat. They may produce these new warriors within 48 hours of sensing said threat.

Many bryozoans have symbiotic relationships with animals of other phyla. For example, the bryozoan Alcyonidium nodosum protects the whelk Burnupena papyracea from the predatory Rock Lobster (Jasus lalandii) by forming a strong crust on its shell and producing chemical defenses which deter the lobster.

Members of a bryozoan colony are genetically identical and co-operate with the use of chemical signals. They can respond to the scent of predators or rival colonies as one. Teamwork makes the… weird little ball of guys work.

I like to imagine them talking like the aliens from Toy Story

[chrysaliseuro2024]

1. View to the Algerian border about 40k away

2.desert ‘roses’ formed by sand and wind

3. Our crazy driver who joined through the desert with us in his 4WD

4. & 5. A small walk through the Chebika hills with Mustafa our guide

6. Landscape was full of fossils and the terrain was made up of compacted mussels from being underwater so many years ago

7. & 8. More Chebika scenery

9. Driving through the desert in a mini sandstorm

[floatingstructures]

What are some of the impacts of floating structures to the marine environment?

Floating structures offer potential benefits like renewable energy generation and increased living space, they can also have various impacts on the marine environment. Here are some key points to consider:

1] Potential positive impacts:

Adaptability to rising sea levels: Since floating structures can adapt to rising sea levels unlike fixed structures, expensive modifications required to fixed structures to adjust to changes in sea level and corresponding carbon footprint can be avoided.

Sustainable “Land” creation: In bustling coastal cities such as Mumbai, the creation of land involves reclamation which in turn means dredging at some other location. Both dredging and reclamation have significant and non-reversible impacts on marine life (flora & fauna). Further, the marine environment is also impacted such as changes in current flows and strengths that impact existing marine facilities. Using floating structures to create artificial “land” can overcome these issues.

Relocation Ability: Unlike fixed structures, floating structures can be relocated to different locations depending on business case or project requirements.

­Floating windfarms: Noise from windfarms on land can impact the quality of life for populations in nearby locations. Floating wind farms that can be located further away from population centres can avoid this situation.

Floating Data Centres: Floating data centres have a lower carbon footprint as surrounding water can be used for cooling purposes thereby reducing energy consumption. ­

Habitat creation: In some cases, floating structures can create new habitats for certain marine organisms, such as barnacles and mussels, that colonize the submerged parts of the floating structure.

Renewable energy: Floating structures can be used to support offshore wind farms and other renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their associated environmental impacts.

2] Potential negative impacts:

2.1) Physical impact:

Habitat disruption: Floating structures have the potential to cast shadows, decrease light penetration, and impact the growth of underwater plants and organisms that utilize photosynthesis.

Sedimentation: Structures have the potential to alter water flow patterns, resulting in increased sedimentation in certain areas, which could potentially overtake benthic organisms and have an impact on delicate ecosystems. However, reclamation has much more serious impacts as compared to floating structures.

Collision risks: Floating structures can create collision risks for marine animals, such as fish, whales, and sea turtles, depending on their size and location.

2.2) Chemical impact:

Pollution: Accidental discharges from offshore structures, such as antifouling paints, lubricants, and sewage, from drilling platforms can pollute the surrounding water, harming marine life. However, floating structures are designed and built to Classification Society Rules and need to comply to MARPOL Regulations to prevent marine pollution.

Noise pollution: Construction and operation of industrial floating structures can generate noise that can disrupt the communication and behaviour of marine animals.

2.3) Biological impact:

Introduction of invasive species: Structures can be a stepping stone for invasive species to establish themselves in new areas, which can disrupt local ecosystems.

Artificial reefs: Structures can attract certain fish species, but they may not offer the same ecological complexity and functionality as natural reefs.

­Overall, the impact of floating structures on the marine environment depends on various factors, including the size, type, location, and operation of the structure. Careful planning, environmental impact assessments, and mitigation measures are crucial to minimize negative impacts and maximize potential benefits.

Here are some additional points to consider:

For floating structures that have long-term ecological impacts, more studies are needed to fully understand their potential consequences, as research is still ongoing.

Implementing sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials and adopting responsible waste management strategies, can help minimize the environmental footprint of floating structures.

It's important to weigh both the potential benefits and drawbacks of floating structures when considering their development and implementation in the marine environment.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Fried Scallops Day

October is a treasure trove of a month for celebrating seafood, and what better way to start the feast than by celebrating National Fried Scallops Day on October 2? When cooked the right way, scallops become the perfect melt-in-your-mouth delicacy, taking you on a food ride of oceanic excellence. Scallops belong to the Pectinidae family of mollusks. They can swim in the water by rapidly closing and opening their shells using a muscle, which is usually the most consumed part by humans. Scallops are enjoyed in a variety of ways (i.e. in soups, pasta, or sushi), but one of the most popular and loved scallops are the ones fried in butter and a mixture of herbs and other flavors.

History of National Fried Scallops Day

While all our attention will be on some delicious fried scallops this National Fried Scallops Day, did you know that it is usually oysters that tend to get all the love whenever shellfish is being talked about? Yes, oysters are great, but scallops are pretty on par with them. Scallops have been around for a long time now. They have been found in fossil forms that are as old as 300 million years. The marine bivalve mollusks come from the general family of Pectinidae. Their cosmopolitanism means that they can be found in every ocean in the world, making them a good source for studying the science of oceans. Scallops are known to travel short distances, but they are also capable of traveling great distances by simply moving their shells rapidly on the ocean floor. Apart from their delicious meat, scallops are also appreciated and prized for their aesthetically colorful shells. Many vacationers and beach enthusiasts collect the shells to keep as prized possessions in their collections.

Scallops started gaining popularity in the U.S. in the 19th century only, as before that the food item wasn’t considered to be the choice food for many. When people started immigrating to America in the 1600s, they found the shores to be rich with food, ranging from shellfish to cod, and it was the latter that was harvested more. Clams, lobsters, shrimps, and oysters were the most popular of the shellfish, while mussels and scallops were not a favorite due to their unconventional sweet flavors. However, as more and more people came to America, scallops recipes started evolving, and by the 1920s, the food item had become a staple in American households and on restaurant menus. People enjoyed it by sauteing it and frying it in butter. Many also liked it baked, stuffed, and pickled.

National Fried Scallops Day timeline

300 Million Years Ago: Fossilized Scallops

Scientists discover fossilized scallops, giving evidence of their presence on planet earth.

1846: Earliest Written Recipe

A recipe of sauteing and stewing scallops appears in “Miss Beecher’s Domestic Receipt Book,” which is recorded as one of the earliest books to have a recipe for scallops in it.

1920s–1930s: Scallops Popularity

The evolution of new scallops recipes takes the food item to levels of fame it never experienced before.

1950s: Scallops in French Restaurants

Many French restaurants start serving unique scallops dishes like Coquille St. Jacques.

National Fried Scallops Day FAQs

Is a scallop a mollusk?

Yes, a scallop is a mollusk. To be more precise, it is a bivalve mollusk (like oysters and clams), which is a shellfish that has a two-part hinged shell containing soft invertebrates.

Where are scallops found?

Scallops are found in all oceans of the world, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Specific species of scallops will be found in specific areas. For instance, bay scallops are only found in bays and shallow waters.

How can you tell a real scallop from a fake scallop?

Real scallops will have distinct fibers running lengthwise, having the same thickness all around their edges. On the other hand, a fake scallop will most likely have fewer fibers and will be uneven.

National Fried Scallops Day Activities

Fry scallops

Visit a clam shack

Try a new scallops dish

Fried scallops are one of the simplest dishes out there, but it does require a certain level of cooking experience to prepare it properly. It’s very easy to overcook it, and if you do that, you will have scallops that are rubbery and chewy to eat. Perfectly cooked scallops simply melt in your mouth. So try your hand at frying some scallops.

You may have tried fried scallops from a five-star restaurant, but have you tried one at a good ol’ clam shack? Oftentimes, the fried scallops being served at such places come from freshly caught produce, so the flavors will hit differently in the best way possible.

Fried scallops are a classic in their own right. The dish’s versatility also means that it goes great with many other food recipes. Try your hand at pasta or soup with scallops as the star of the dish.

5 Facts About Scallops That Will Blow Your Mind

Rings on their shell indicate their age

Shell is always partially open

Symbol of birth

Cleanest shellfish

Eyes on shells edges

The rings on a scallop shell point to its age, with a ring being added for each year of its life.

A scallop shell will always remain partially open, unlike oysters or mussels.

Scallop shells are a symbol of birth in Christianity and Greek mythology.

Unlike their cousins like clams, scallops are one of the cleanest shellfish out there as their muscles do not filter water.

Scallops have around 50 eyes around the edges of their shells, using them to detect light and movement around them.

Why We Love National Fried Scallops Day

It’s a celebration of scallops

It’s a celebration of natural cosmopolitanism

It’s a celebration of food variety

Scallops might have been underrated in the past, but today we celebrate them with full fanfare. Their amazing qualities relating to their biological features and movements are fodder for fascination and imagination, so much so that, apart from the food world, scallops have become an important part of religion, culture, art, and literature.

If humans won’t understand the value of cosmopolitanism, then who will? Cosmopolitanism has been of immense benefit to many around the world. From experiencing new cultures and languages to getting exposed to newer perspectives, it has shown us how things are meant to be. Scallops, which are just one example of nature’s cosmopolitanism, show us how to adapt according to the environment we are in.

Because scallops are found in every corner of the world, the ways you can enjoy them are countless. Have it in butter or with soup, pasta, or stew — the choices are endless. There’s something for everyone here.

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