# Shells, Mollusks, and Crustaceans

Part of the Nature Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nature/guide/index.md)

*4. Shell and Shore Study*

> **4f.** Do ALL of the following:

This option brings you into the world of invertebrates with shells, jointed legs, antennae, and soft bodies. You will identify species and organize physical evidence carefully.

## Requirement 4f1

> **4f1.** Identify five species of mollusks and crustaceans.

Mollusks include animals such as snails, clams, mussels, slugs, and squid. Crustaceans include crayfish, crabs, shrimp, pill bugs, and lobsters. One quick difference is that crustaceans have segmented bodies and jointed legs, while many mollusks have soft bodies protected by shells.

Look at habitat too. A freshwater mussel tells a different story than a beach snail or a crayfish under a stream rock. Where you found it can help confirm what it is.

Video: [All About Mollusks (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_GJH1t7VVM)

Video: [Crustaceans Facts (video)](https://youtu.be/nfTQUX-GMjc?si=uWRRlR9ez4Tc5ymm)

## Requirement 4f2

> **4f2.** Collect, mount, and label six shells.

### Collecting shells ethically

Collect only empty shells where it is legal to do so. Some beaches, parks, and protected waters do not allow collecting. Never remove a shell that is still occupied.

### Mounting and labeling well

A shell collection becomes useful when each shell is labeled with where it was found, when it was found, and what species it likely belongs to. Mounting can be as simple as organized display trays or cards, as long as the labels stay with the shells.

### What makes a strong label

Include habitat if possible: ocean beach, freshwater stream, muddy estuary, rocky shore, or pond edge. That helps show that you understand the environment, not only the object.

Video: [Organizing My Massive Seashell Collection. Identifying Similar Shells & Comparing Shells to Critters (video)](https://youtu.be/MMkynhuI_1w?si=ZC4ur2DlM9Sl2IFw)

[Organizing a Shell Collection (website)](https://conchologistsofamerica.org/organizing-a-shell-collection/): Practical ideas for sorting, storing, and labeling shells so your collection stays useful and easy to discuss.

> **Tip**
>
> Use small paper slips or cards with pencil or waterproof ink. Labels written later from memory are often the first thing Scouts get wrong.

From shell shapes and shoreline clues, move back onto land and begin the plant-study section of Req 4.

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- Next: [Wild Plant Identification](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nature/guide/req4g1/index.md)