Brachiopod

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Error creating thumbnail:
Brachiopod valves and pedicle (articulate) 01 svg
Error creating thumbnail:
Terebratalia transversa 115544343
Error creating thumbnail:
Lingulid burrow 01
Error creating thumbnail:
Liospiriferina rostrata Noir
Rhynchonellid crura Permian Texas

Brachiopods, also known as lamp shells, are a group of marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Brachiopoda. Brachiopods are known for their hard "shells" on the upper and lower surfaces, which are unlike the left and right arrangement seen in bivalve mollusks. These organisms have a rich fossil record, dating back to the Cambrian period, making them important for paleontological studies. Despite their once vast diversity and abundance, modern brachiopods are less common and are primarily found in cold and deep marine environments.

Anatomy and Physiology[edit | edit source]

Brachiopods are characterized by their two shells or valves: the ventral valve, which is often larger, and the dorsal valve. These valves are composed of calcium carbonate and are connected by a hinge at the rear, allowing them to open and close. Inside, brachiopods have a lophophore, a specialized feeding organ that also functions in gas exchange. The lophophore is a crown of ciliated tentacles that filters food particles from the water.

Classification[edit | edit source]

The Brachiopoda phylum is divided into two main classes: the Rhynchonellata, which have ribbed shells, and the Lingulata, which have smooth shells and a stalk for attachment to the seabed. These classes are further divided into orders and families based on characteristics such as shell shape, hinge structure, and lophophore arrangement.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Brachiopods are sessile organisms, meaning they are fixed in one place and do not move around. They are benthic, living on the sea floor, and are found in a range of marine environments from shallow waters to depths of several thousand meters. Brachiopods are filter feeders, using their lophophores to capture food particles suspended in the water.

Evolution and Fossil Record[edit | edit source]

Brachiopods were most abundant during the Paleozoic era, particularly in the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian periods. They suffered significant declines during the Permian-Triassic extinction event, but some groups survived and continued to the present day. The fossil record of brachiopods is extensive and includes thousands of described species, making them important indicators of environmental conditions in past geological periods.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Today, brachiopods are considered relatively rare compared to their historical abundance. Some species are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and the effects of climate change on ocean chemistry, particularly ocean acidification, which can affect their shell formation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting marine habitats and understanding the impacts of environmental changes on brachiopod populations.


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD