What is a scallops niche?

Scallops occupy a niche in marine ecosystems as filter feeders, primarily grazing on plankton and organic particles in the water column. They typically inhabit sandy or muddy substrates in coastal waters, where they play a role in nutrient cycling and contribute to the benthic community's health. Scallops also serve as prey for various marine predators, including fish and sea birds, thus linking different trophic levels in their environment. Their ability to swim by rapidly clapping their shells allows them to escape predators and helps disperse their larvae.