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Are shells born?

Shells, which are the hard outer coverings of certain animals like snails, clams, and turtles, are not born in the same way that living organisms are. Shells are formed through a process called biomineralization, where the animal's body produces minerals like calcium carbonate to create the hard protective structure.

In the case of mollusks like snails and clams, the mantle tissue of the animal secretes the substances needed to form the shell. As the animal grows, it continuously adds layers to its shell, which helps protect it from predators and provide structural support.

So, in summary, shells themselves are not born; they are continuously formed and added to by the animal throughout its life.

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