Correct option is D
The correct answer is (d) Pinctada margaritifera.
· The black-lipped pearl oyster (scientific name Pinctada margaritifera) is a species of pearl oyster found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly within tropical coral reefs.
· This species is renowned for its ability to produce high-quality black pearls, which are highly valued in the jewelry industry.
Key Details:
· Habitat: Typically found in tropical coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region, including areas around French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Fiji.
· Distinct Feature: The interior of its shell is lined with a black or dark iridescent nacre, giving rise to the term "black-lipped."
· Importance: Plays a crucial role in the pearl farming industry, particularly for producing black Tahitian pearls.
Additional Knowledge:
· Aplysia dactylomela: Known as the "spotted sea hare," it is a marine mollusk found in shallow coastal waters, not related to pearl production.
· Dentalium nehexagonum: A species of tusk shell mollusk, commonly found in deep-sea habitats, unrelated to coral reefs or pearls.
· Chaetopleura apiculata: A species of chiton, found along rocky seashores, not a pearl oyster.