Question

What do animals such as clams and oysters extract from the water to build their shells?(1 point)
Responses

silicon
silicon

fructose
fructose

hydrogen
hydrogen

carbon

Answer 1

Clams and oysters extract **calcium** and **carbon** from the water to build their shells. However, from the options provided, the closest correct answer is **carbon**, as it is a component of carbonate ions (CO3^2-) that combine with calcium (from calcium ions, Ca^2+) to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the main material of their shells.

However, it's important to note that none of the options specifically mention calcium, which is crucial for shell formation.