Geometric shell growth and mode of life of a Devonian chonetoidean brachiopod

Morphological and statistical analysis of the chonetoid species Kentronetes variabilis from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) of the Argentine Precordillera demonstrate ontogenetic changes and allometric relationships between characters. A special study was made of spine distribution, morphology, and growth, compared to valve growth. The first, inner, developed spines (pairs 1–1'and 2–2') continued to grow after development of the following outer pairs. The spacing of spines, their diameter, and the density of growth rings vary from beak to posterolateral margins following a specific 2ⁿ geometric growth factor, compared to the regular, almost linear growth of the valves, attested by growth lines. The linear growth rate of outer spines (pairs 3–3'and 4–4') can be 6–8 times more rapid than that of the shell on the valve margin. Ontogenetic changes in spine morphology are interpreted as a response to changes in the mode of life.