A Brachiopod Can Be Distinguished from a Bivalve by the Presence

Question

A brachiopod can be distinguished from a bivalve by the presence of
A)two hinged shells.
B)a digestive system with separate mouth and anus.
C)a lophophore.
D)suspension feeding.
E)a distinct head.

Accepted Answer

A brachiopod can be distinguished from a bivalve by the presence of a lophophore, which is a feeding structure that consists of tentacles with cilia that are used for suspension feeding. Bivalves do not have a lophophore, but instead use their gills for filter feeding. Both brachiopods and bivalves have two hinged shells, and neither have a distinct head or a digestive system with a separate mouth and anus.