What are the stages of life for a clam?

Answer 1

the life cycle of a clam involves sexual reproduction and larva stages. clams contain the larval stage trochophore, which is a ciliate larval form that is common among mollusks. The clams share the same life cycles and reproductive methods as most other animals of their class. Clams may be male, female or both (hermaphroditic) depending on the species and the particular stage in its life cycle. Clams reproduce through a spawning process in which females release large numbers of eggs into the water, while males release sperm. Fertilization takes place in the open water. Females can release from 1 million to as many as 24 million eggs at one time, and spawning may continue for several months, depending on the water temperature and the availability of food. A single female may release up to 60 million eggs in a season, of which only a small number will become fertilized and grow to become complete adults.

Once fertilization takes place, the young clam goes through a larval stage where it is carried by waves and currents. Eventually it develops a shell and sinks to the bottom. Once it grows a muscular foot, it can then move about the bottom floor.