If it is dead it will be open therefore if it is alive it will be closed. Sometimes they are open but still alive, but if you tap their shell they close it.
You can tell if a clam is alive by observing if its shell is tightly closed or slightly open. If the clam is alive, it will try to close its shell tight when handled. A dead clam will have a gaping, gaping, or broken shell.
yes they are. they open often, i have seen it.
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.
a sea otter eats a clam shell by using its strong teeth and paws to pry it open
the mussel of the clam keeps the shell together. But they can open it if the want.
A giant open clam shell.
it pries open the shell with its beak like a screw driver
posterior and anterior adductor muscles
Clams are generally covered by a shell. It is a part of the clam's body, and it can open or close; when closed, it serves the purpose of protecting the clam from predators.
Starfish eat clams by grasping and pulling on the clams shell until the clam can't hold it close any longer. Once the shell is opened far enough, the starfish begins to feed on the clam.
A clam shell is typically oval-shaped with two hinged halves that can open and close. It is usually smooth and symmetrical. Clam shells can be distinguished from other types of shells by their shape, hinge, and lack of prominent ridges or spikes.
Basically you need a clam, and a piece of sand or shell to irritate it, put it in the clam and wait for (i don't know how long) and when the time is right open up the clam and receive your pearl.