Sphenia fragilis (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption By examining fossilized clams, scientists found that a commonly used protocol hides the true extent of how species live and die through major extinctions. The clam above, Sphenia fragilis, belongs to a group that would previously be assumed to originate before the last great extinction, but the improved methodology suggests actually originated in a burst of diversification in the aftermath of the extinction. Credit Credit: Rüdiger Bieler, Field Museum, Chicago Usage Restrictions With credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.