Giant Clams’ Iridescent Lips Snatch Solar Energy

[KamaAina]

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/giant-clams-iridescent-lips-snatch-solar-energy/

Brilliant shades of blue and aqua coat the iridescent lips of giant clams, but these shiny cells aren't just for show, new research finds. The iridescent sheen directs beams of sunlight into the interior of the clam, providing light for algae housed inside.

In a symbiotic return, the algae use that sunlight to power photosynthesis, resulting in energy for the giant clam. "It ends up being a large part of the energy budget of the clams," said study researcher Alison Sweeney, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania.

Essentially, the oversize mollusks, which can measure more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, have a natural solar energy system hiding in their shells.

Most iridescent cells — including those that impart a vivid blue to the morpho butterfly, the glittery colors of beetles and the shine of birds' feathers — are dead, much like fingernails and human hair. But the iridescent cells of squid and giant clams are alive.

Giant clams? Lips? Snatch?

[HereSince1628]

1. Poor Ol Rueben Clamzol...Clamzo boys! Clamzo!!!

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