Brachiopoda
Brachiopods are a phylum of marine animals that have a hinged shell. They are found in a wide variety of marine environments, from shallow water to the deep sea. Brachiopods have a long evolutionary history, dating back to the Cambrian period, and they are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
Common Names
Brachiopods are commonly known as "lamp shells" because of their resemblance to ancient oil lamps. They are also sometimes called "arm-feet" because of their long, fleshy arms that they use for feeding.
Characteristics
Brachiopods are characterized by their two-part shell, which is divided into a dorsal valve and a ventral valve. The valves are hinged together at the back, and they can open and close to allow the animal to feed. The inside of the shell is lined with a fleshy mantle that secretes the shell and houses the animal's organs. Brachiopods are filter feeders, and they use their long, fleshy arms to capture food particles from the water.
Environments
Brachiopods are found in a wide variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow water, often attached to rocks or seaweeds
- Deep water, buried in sediment
- Polar regions
- Tropical regions
They prefer environments with stable conditions and access to food.
References
For more information on Brachiopoda, please see the following websites: