The evolution of oysters and their shells goes back thousands of years. The first shellfish did not resemble the modern day oyster. It was made from an amalgamation of cartilage, bone, and hard enamel that would break down into tiny fragments as it hardened. These shells were used by prehistoric man for shelter. The early Triassic period ushered in the dawn of human history when these shells began to form the basis for modern-day fine pearls. Throughout history, different kinds of mollusks evolved that would eventually become the familiar varieties that we know today.
In the beginning of time, the evolution of oysters was driven by necessity rather than any kind of creative thinking. As more mollusks evolved, the waters they lived in also changed. The evolution of mollusks got underway as mankind’s need for shells grew with the pace of Earth’s history.
As evolution of oysters progressed, the diversity of marine life began to diversify as well. This was good news for early humans, because it meant that there was plenty of food sources for them. The oceans also helped increase the evolution of shellfish reefs. As the reefs grew, more types of shellfish were able to take root. This is known as the beginnings of coral reefs. The development of coral reefs and other marine life assisted an ecological level of natural selection that would eventually create the diverse forms of mollusks we have today.
One of the major drivers of the evolution of mollusks is the shift in oxygen levels in the ocean. When this happens, various forms of marine animals can thrive and grow better. The oxygen changes also caused the oceans to be inhospitable to certain forms of shellfish. This led to the evolution of scavengers like Humpheads and the eventual evolution of sharks. Some forms of sharks even started to prey on the smaller predatory mollusks.
There are many theories about how the process of evolution of mollusks began, but none of them can pinpoint an exact beginning. Most scientists agree that it began with the rise of oxygenation in the ocean. As the levels of oxygen increased, a greater number of animals would begin to survive. It is also believed that a greater number of animals would then eat smaller shellfish and invertebrates that were considering nymphs of these larger animals.
Naturalists believe that the evolution of mollusks began in the Humpy Back reef in the South Pacific Ocean. Evidence of this can be found in the fossilized remains of numerous species of shellfish and marine algae. It is also believed that the Humpy formed the base of modern-day Humpyback reefs. Evidence of the diversification of mollusks can also be seen in modern day Humpy Back reef regions where more diverse marine life, and anagenic, non-buoyant shellfish reefs have evolved.
Over the course of their evolution, mollusks have appeared in various forms. Initially, they were simply referred to as “oceango” or “netted,” as they are sometimes presented in drawings and movies (netted mollusks are not true mollusks, but they do refer to those that lack a “net.” The term for true mollusk is arched, spiraled, or furnished with a groove in its shell. Modern day arched mollusks are distinguished by having a rounded shape and the word “arched” in their name. They are most commonly green, although gray, white, blue, and other colors have been used.
Evolution of mollusks has given us many examples of their astonishing ability to grow and thrive. Throughout Earth’s history, various species of mollusks have inhabited its waters. Shellfish are among our planet’s oldest inhabitants. Their diverse history, from the Precambrian through the Paleozoic era, is fascinating in itself.
