Seashell

ocean · animals · nature

Built by mollusks. Most seashells are made by soft-bodied sea animals called mollusks, including snails, clams, oysters, and mussels. These creatures slowly build their shells over time to protect their delicate bodies.

Nature's armor. A seashell is like a suit of armor that shields an ocean animal from danger, rough waves, and hungry predators. The shell stays attached to the animal and grows bigger as the creature inside grows.

Beach treasures. When you find an empty seashell on the beach, it means the animal inside has died and its soft body has broken down or been eaten. These shells wash ashore and become gifts from the ocean for beachcombers to collect.

Made of limestone. Seashells are built from a special material called calcium carbonate, which is the same stuff found in chalk and limestone. The animal shapes this material into a hard, protective covering that can last for thousands of years.