Oysters, soft-shell and hard-shell clams, mussels, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp belong to which group?

The group that includes oysters, soft-shell and hard-shell clams, mussels, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp is best recognized as "shellfish." This overarching category encompasses both mollusks, which include oysters and clams, as well as crustaceans, which include lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.

The term "shellfish" serves as a general classification that covers these various marine organisms, distinguishing them from other seafood and indicating their shared characteristic of having shells. While molluscan shellfish is a more specific classification that only includes those species with a soft body and a hard shell, using the broader term "shellfish" effectively captures all the listed organisms.

This understanding is essential in contexts such as food safety, dietary considerations, and environmental health, where knowledge of different groups helps in addressing issues like allergies, toxicology, and regulatory standards.