Brachiopod

Taxonomy

Phylum: Brachiopoda

Diagnostic features

Two valves (brachial and pedicle)

Bilateral symmetry

Growth lines

Adductor and ductor muscle scars

Pedicle

Commissure

Gape

Teeth and socket (articulates; no teeth or socket in inarticulates)

Stratigraphic range

Cambrian to present

Way of life

Marine

Attach to hard substrates using pedicle

Filter feeding

Sessile

Infaunal, epifaunal, reclining

Advanced notes

Apparent decrease in diversity over time

Limited to marginal environments in the modern ocean

Adductor muscle used to close shell, ductor muscle used to open shell

Specimens

Browse brachiopods

External links

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History: differences between bivalves and brachiopods

Cortland Paleo, Brachiopoda: brachiopod morphology and ecology information