Where do seashells come from?

Seashells are the skeletons of sea creatures – and they’re older than you might think.

By: Michal Kowalewski, University of Florida and Thomas K. Frazer, University of South Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 26, 2026

Words: 1,206

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

By Michal Kowalewski, University of Florida and Thomas K. Frazer, University of South Florida

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Where do seashells come from? – Ivy, age 5, Phoenix, Arizona

Seashells are so plentiful that you may sometimes take them for granted.

Scientists have estimated that just one small stretch …

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