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Tridacna costata - M Naumann

New giant clam species discovered

(From news.bbc.co.uk)- The fossil record suggests that, about 125,000 years ago, the species Tridacna costata accounted for more than 80% of local giant clams. The species may now be critically endangered, researchers report in Current Biology journal.

The scientists believe their findings may represent one of the earliest examples of the over-exploitation of marine organisms by humans.

The research team uncovered well-preserved fossil evidence that suggested stocks of these giant clams plummeted some 125,000 years ago – during an interval between Ice Ages.

They believe this period coincides with the appearance of modern humans in the Red Sea area. Giant clams were abundant, large in size and easily accessible – making them an attractive food source for hunter-gatherers.

(By Elizabeth Mitchell)

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