The clam does. Clams and other bivalves have very strong muscles that hold the shells tightly closed whenever they're in danger.
the mussel of the clam keeps the shell together. But they can open it if the want.
posterior and anterior adductor muscles
The two valves of a clam are connected by a flexible hinge ligament, which allows the shells to open and close. This hinge is located at the dorsal (top) side of the clam and is crucial for the clam's ability to protect itself and manage its internal functions. Additionally, the adductor muscles, which can contract to close the valves tightly, provide further control over the opening and closing mechanism.
Bivalve mollusks like clams hold their shells closed with their muscular bodies. They also have leathery "hinges" at the rounded part of the shell which help to hold the two halves together. These are similar to ligaments in higher animals. If you ever get a clam in the supermarket that is already open, that one is dead and you should not eat it.
The shell of a clam consists of two valves hinged together along the dorsal side (front). On the opposite end of where the clam opens is a swollen region (the umbo) where the shell of the clam starts to grow.
The toothpick projections at the dorsal edge of clam valves, known as "cardinal teeth," serve to interlock the two halves of the shell, providing structural stability and preventing lateral movement. They play a crucial role in the clam's ability to close its shell tightly, protecting it from predators and environmental threats. Additionally, these projections assist in alignment during shell closure, ensuring that the valves fit snugly together.
The hinge ligament is a flexible structure that connects the two halves (valves) of a clam shell at the hinge. It acts as a spring to allow the shell to open and close. When the adductor muscles relax, the hinge ligament helps the clam's shell to open.
The heart is nestled between the digestive gland, and the 'muscle' (two parts, fast mucle, closes shell quickly, and the slow muscle, which holds the shell together for long periods of time.)
A mollusk having a shell consisting of two lateral plates or valves joined together by an elastic ligament at the hinge, which is usually strengthened by prominences called teeth. The shell is closed by the contraction of two transverse muscles attached to the inner surface, as in the clam, -- or by one, as in the oyster. See Mollusca., A pericarp in which the seed case opens or splits into two parts or valves., Having two shells or valves which open and shut, as the oyster and certain seed vessels.
A mollusk having a shell consisting of two lateral plates or valves joined together by an elastic ligament at the hinge, which is usually strengthened by prominences called teeth. The shell is closed by the contraction of two transverse muscles attached to the inner surface, as in the clam, -- or by one, as in the oyster. See Mollusca., A pericarp in which the seed case opens or splits into two parts or valves., Having two shells or valves which open and shut, as the oyster and certain seed vessels.
Wedding Ring
The mantle of the clam lines the valves, and serves to secrete calcium carbonate in the formation of the clam's shell while protecting the clam's visceral mass.