|
 See More Images
Brachiopoda
© 2003 Sarah Rieboldt, UCMP
Tropidoleptus carinatus (Conrad)
© 2005 Falls of the Ohio State Park
Megastrophia concava
© 2005 R. Weller, Cochise College
|
What are Brachiopods? Brachiopods are marine animals that have a calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate shell made of two valves, which usually differ in shape and size. Brachiopods are closely related to the bryozoans. Both groups possess a unique feeding and respiratory organ called a lophophore, which looks a bit like a rubber band covered with tiny hairs. Some brachiopods can cement themselves directly to hard surfaces; most have a stalk, called a pedicle, which they use to attach to a surface or to anchor themselves in the sediment of the sea floor. Brachiopods are very common fossils in Paleozoic rocks from many marine environments. First known fossil occurrence: Cambrian. Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives. |
Fossils through time:
Choose a time period to see what life was like:
|
|
