Final answer:
Scallops use a highly elastic biological material known as abduction which helps open the shell (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Scallops use a special muscular foot for locomotion and anchorage, but this is not how they open their shells. Contrary to the belief that muscles are involved in this process, scallops do not use muscles to push their shells open. Instead, it is a highly elastic biological material known as abduction that acts like a spring to push the shell open after the muscles have pulled it closed. The mantle, or the tissue beneath the shell, is not directly involved in opening the shell, although it houses various organs, including those for respiration and excretion. The unique way in which mollusks like scallops handle opening and closing their shells is part of what makes them fascinating creatures in biological studies.
When considering mollusks' general functionality, their mode of operation reflects the interaction of muscle and bone lever systems, which are typical for other muscular functions in many animals. However, scallops have evolved a different mechanism where the muscle can only pull the shell closed, and the passive action of the elastic abduction material is responsible for the shell reopening.
The correct answer is Option C.