Geoduck: Difference between revisions

Geoducks reproduce sexually by [[spawning]].  Spawning is the process of aquatic animals releasing the eggs and sperm into the water in order to reproduce.  The geoducks usually spawn from the late winter to early summer months.  The greatest amount of activity occurs during the months of [[May]] and [[June]].  During this time the male spawns millions of [[sperm]] into the water.  The females then spawn their [[eggs]] and that can be as many as five million at a time.<ref name=mlife> [http://wikis.evergreen.edu/marinelife1011/index.php/Panopea_generosa#cite_note-2 Ever-green] ''marine-life-1011''. Web. March 7, 2011(Date-of-publication).</ref> The sperm and egg unite to form [[ciliated larvae]] called [[trocophores]].  These trocophores are very small and hard to see.  The larva then changes forming an organ used for swimming called a [[velum]].  The shell begins to form and then soon after it loses its velum.  Spines grow on the outer edges of the shell and it settles on the seafloor.  Then as the geoduck matures it burrows down in the sediment and reaches a maximum depth of about three feet.<ref name=mlife>[http://wikis.evergreen.edu/marinelife1011/index.php/Panopea_generosa#cite_note-2 Ever-green] ''marine-life-1011''. Web. March 7, 2011(Date-of-publication).</ref>