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Oyster Spat

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Questions

1.

What is a group of oysters called?
2.

The oysters in the photograph are about 3.81 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. How long are the biggest oysters?
3.

What is one way that an oyster protects itself from predators?
4.

What is oyster spat?

Fast Facts

    • A group of oysters is called a colony, bed, or reef.
    • Oysters can grow up to 14 inches long.
    • In captivity, oysters have an average lifespan of up to 20 years.
    • Oysters are very sensitive to water quality. Oyster populations in many areas are disappearing due to coastal pollution.

 
Credits
Writer

Maggie Strassman

Editor

Christina Riska, National Geographic Education Programs

Producer

Alison Michel, National Geographic Education Programs

Sources

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/oyster.html


 
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Key Concepts

baby oysters   estuary   oyster   oyster gardeners   oyster spat  

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