Unraveling the Mystery: Where Do Seashells Come From and What Do They Reveal?

• Seashells are the exoskeletons of mollusks like snails, clams, oysters, and mussels, providing protection and structural support.
• These marine animals build their shells through biomineralization, primarily using calcium carbonate, a tough mineral also found in limestone.
• Over 50,000 mollusk species exist, each creating a unique shell, leading to the vast variety seen on beaches.
• Shells can last for a very long time, washing ashore or becoming fossils under the seafloor, making them common fossil types.
• Scientists use carbon dating to determine shell age and study their chemical makeup to learn about past climates, environments, and the lives of the creatures that made them.

Why It Matters: Seashells are mollusk exoskeletons, offering insights into marine life, ancient environments, and geological history.