Terebratulida
Terebratulida is an order of brachiopods, a group of marine animals that have a hinged shell divided into two valves. They are commonly known as lamp shells due to their resemblance to ancient oil lamps. Terebratulida is one of the most diverse and abundant brachiopod orders, with over 1,000 living species and a rich fossil record dating back to the Ordovician period.
Characteristics
Terebratulida are characterized by several unique features. Their shells are typically smooth or finely ribbed, often with a distinct fold and sulcus (a groove) along the dorsal valve. The loop, a structure that supports the lophophore (feeding apparatus), is often complex and spiraled. Terebratulids possess a pedicle, a stalk that attaches them to the substrate.
They exhibit a wide range of shell shapes and sizes, with some species being very small and others reaching several centimeters in length. The shell material varies between species, but it is typically composed of calcium carbonate. The color of the shell can be white, gray, brown, or even red.
Environments
Terebratulida are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide, from shallow intertidal zones to deep-sea trenches. They prefer hard substrates such as rocks, corals, and shells, but some species can also live on soft sediments. Terebratulids are often found in association with other benthic organisms, such as sponges, sea anemones, and bryozoans.
References
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