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Definition of Seashells and its different kinds.

TOPIC: DEFINITION OF SEASHELL AND ITS DIFFERENT KINDS.
PRESENTED BY: STEPHANIE VISTO BEED 4D
PUBLISHED: EDUCATION PURPOSES

DEFINITION OF SEASHELL
A seashell or sea shells, also known simply as a shells, is a hard, protective outer layer created by an animal that lives in the sea.Seashell is the most universally identifiable part of a creature known as a Mollusk. Mollusk (sea Shells) are invertebrate animals (think of a snail) with an unsegmented, basically symmetrical body, generally consisting of head, foot, visceral hump and mantle.

Seashells are made by organisms called molluscs, which are soft-bodied invertebrates. … Gastropods include organisms like snails and slugs, while bivalves include organisms like clams, oysters, and scallops. Gastropods have a single, coiled shell, while bivalves have two shells, or valves, that fit together.

HISTORY OF SHELLS TRADE IN THE PHILIPPINES .
They suggest that the ancient people utilized mollusks and as for making tools ornament.The helmet shell (Cassis Cornuta )or “budyong” are widely blown by farmers and a fisherman using their mouth as a means of communication shells was also used as personal abdomens among Filipino settlers, especially among tribal communities.
The abalone shell “kapin” balioris is reportedly being used in the bealing practices among indigenous “tambalan” communities in Sangat Island, Palawan shells are gathered around the waste of a sick person to cure/ heal the ailment. The shell necklace and bracelets worn by the Solomon and trobiand islander indicate a high rank status among the villagers. Philippines is the major fishery products in the trade market.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SEA SHELLS
It is mentioned by H.F BELEN are as follows;
1.Hard but brittle
2.Easily broken when drop on a hard surface or hit by a hard object.
3.When polished it has shiny pearl-like surface.

MAIN CATEGORIES OF SHELLS
1. Ornamental Shells these are shells that are exploited for their whole decorative value, used as souvenir items and decorations. They are relatively cheap and plentiful in the trade.
2. Rare and Specimens shells .These are shells sometimes endemic species of mollusks that are usually found in the deep seas.
3. Commercial Shells .These are mollusks that are harvested for their nacre or mother pearl.
4. Shellcrafts/handicrafts refers to the products made by shells or in combination with other native raw materials, they are usually hand crafted by skilled individuals.

METHODS OF COLLECTION
1. Gleaning or “panginhas” is a typical activity among coastal people throughout the country. It is usually done early in the morning and late in the afternoon during low tide.
2. Tangle Net the tangle net, or tooth net, is a type of nylon fishing net.
3. Push nets “sud-sud” a small triangular fishing net with a rigid frame that is pushed along the bottom in shallow waters.
4. Compressor diving use an air tube
5. Scuba diving uses a special kind of breathing apparatus to collect shell and other invertebrates.

PROCESS OF CLEANING SEASHELLS
1. Soak the seashells. Put them in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. Make sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when mixing the water and bleach. 2. Let your shells sit. Leave them to soak until they look clean. There is no set time to clean each shell, it depends on the size of the shell and how dirty it is. 3. Remove the seashells. Take the shells out of the bleach solution and rinse them with water. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the bleach solution. 4. Scrub the seashells. Remove any remaining barnacles and other material off the surface. Use a dental pick, a water pick, a toothbrush, or even a grill brush if your seashell is large.

SEASHELLS CRAFT
The Philippines is known worldwide for this its beautiful seashells. This is not surprising because our multi-island country has very long shoreline that abounds with exotic seashells of wide variety. The coastline of the Philippines is about 10,850 statute miles and composed of 7,091 islands and the shore are filled with different kinds of shells which are washed up from the bottom of the sea. These shells come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Assortments of shells with make a good craft articles.