Shell structure and affinities of the enigmatic Lower Ordovician articulate brachiopod Lycophoria Lahusen, 1886

Wright, A. D. 1992 04 15: Shell structure and affinities of the enigmatic Lower Ordovician articulate brachiopod Lycophoria Lahusen. 1886. Lethaia . Vol. 25, pp. 125–129. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
The enigmatic Baltoscandian Lower Ordovician brachiopod Lycophoriu has a combination of morphological characters that makes it difficult to place taxonomically. The more recent assignments of the genus have been with the Porambonitacea, the Triplesiacea and the Orthacea. A basic character in articulate brachiopods is the differentiation of the secondary shell into either stacked fibres or laminar sheets. The hitherto unknown shell structure in Lycophoria has been examined under the electron microscope and is shown to be fibrous, which is taken as ruling out any close affinity with the lamellar shelled Triplesiacea. Despite superficial similarities, features of the shell interior are not compatible with the pentameride Porambonitacea and although there are differences from the typical orthacean, these are no greater than those of the accepted orthid Producrorrhis. Lycophoria , in the monotypic family Lycophoriidae, is accordingly best regarded as a specialized offshoot of the basic orthacean stock. * Shell microstructure, Lycophoridae, Orrhacea, Porambonitacea, Triplesiacea, Lower Ordovician, Baltoscandia .     

The shell-structure, growth and functional morphology of some Lower Devonian athyrids from northwest Spain

Alvarez, F. & Brunton, C. H. C. 1990 04 15: The shell-structure, growth and functional morphology of some Lower Devonian athyrids from northwest Spain. Lethaia , Vol. 23, pp. 117–131. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
In the Emsian (Lower Devonian) of northwest Spain three congeneric species of athyrids have been recognized principally by their, as yet, unique shell microstructures. The shell remains thin throughout ontogeny, with hardly any internal thickening, while the external lamellac are long and two to four times as thick as the valves. being composed of many layers of secondary fibres. A growth model for these shells is presented, including the recognition and differentiation of true valve growth as compared to growth of lamellae. Functional morphology is discussed and a new explanation presented for the function of the visceral foramen. The possible growth and disposition of the lophophore are described and, taken together with morphological and environmental factors, an anterior inhalant water circulation system is proposed. * Brachiopods, Athyrididae, Devonian, shell-structure, growth. functional morphology .     

Location and interpretation of ontogenetic relics in the shell of adult brachiopods

Baker, Peter G. 1989 07 15: Location and interpretation of ontogenetic relics in the shell of adult brachiopods. Lethaia , Vol. 22. pp. 241–245. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Careful sectioning of critically orientated adult Ornithella bathonica (Rollier) shells has revealed, close to the umbo in the secondary fibrous shell layer of the brachial valve, relics of early ontogenetic structures which can be directly correlated with those of early juveniles of Zeilleria leckenbyi (Davidson ex Walker MS). It is now confirmed that very early in ontogeny, the brachial valve of O. bathonica possessed a septal pillar identical with that found in Z. leckenbyi and many terebratellacean species. * Brachiopoda. Terebratellidina, Ornithellidae, ontogenetic relics, buried microstructure .     

Mode of life and soft body shape of heteromorph ammonites

Ebel, K. 1992 04 15: Mode of life and soft body shape of heteromorph ammonites. Lethaia , Vol. 25, pp. 179–193. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Using the idea of a benthic mode of life for ammonites, based on a gastropod-like shell position, it is possible to reconstruct the development of all heteromorph ammonites by regarding single growth stages and the presumable acting forces. The reconstruction of shell formation, particularly the final shell position of heteromorphs with a hook, indicates that the soft body of the ammonite animal was considerably larger than comparison with the present-day Nautilus would suggest.     

The origin and geometry of radial ribbing patterns in articulate brachiopods

Ackerly, S. C. 1992 07 15: The origin and geometry of radial ribbing patterns in articulate brachiopods.
Geometric models for simple. radial ribbing in articulate brachiopods include (1) ribs radiating isometrically from the shell umbo. (2) divergence of thc ribs from some 'point' within the shell, and (3) reorientation of the ribs at right angles to the shell margin. Analyses of the Orthida, the ancestral taxon of articulate brachiopods, indicate that rib geometries are isometric in Early Cambrian taxa (model 1). but that by the Early Ordovician rib orientations are generally perpendicular to the shell margin (model 3). A combination of functional and morphogenetic Factors explains the ribbing geometries observed in orthide brachiopods.     

The mesolophe, a new lophophore type for chonetacean brachiopods

Rachebaeuf, P. R. & Copper, P. 1990 10 15: The mesolophe, a new lophophore type for chonetacean brachiopods. Lethaia , Val. 23, pp. 341–346. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Following a summary of previous lophophore reconstructions for the chonetaceans, we describe an unusual pyritized structure within the calcite infill of an exceptionally preserved shell of Archeochonetes primigenius (Twenhofel) from the Late Ordovician (Ashgill) of Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada. The brachial valve interior of most Lower Devonian to Permian chonetaceans shows the development of three depressed deepened areas (gutters) in the valve floor. The disposition of these gutters coincides remarkably with the shape of the pyritized structure, which we postulate as a new type of lophophore, the mesolophe. ▭ Brachiopoda, Chonetacea, functional morphology, lophophore .     

Growth rate and substrate-related mortality of a benthic brachiopod population

Collins, M. 1991 01 15: Growth rate and substrate-related mortality of a benthic brachiopod population. Lethaia , Vol. 24, pp. 1–11. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Vital staining and careful examination of potential substrates enabled an accurate census of Terebratulina retusa to be made and prompted a study of their population dynamics. Seasonal samples of T. retusa from a deep water Modiolus -brachiopod assemblage were always dominated by small (>1 mm) individuals as growth rate of the post-larvae, estimated from changes in mean cohort length. was unexpectedly slow. Six months after settlement the animals had barely doubled in length, a rate of increase consistent with laboratory studies, but an order of magnitude less than conventional estimates. As the attainment of a size refuge is the only documented strategy by which articulate brachiopods counter overgrowth or disturbance this observation has profound implications for survival. Mortality of T. retusa in the Firth of Lorn, from different substrates, followed an unexpected pattern. Virtually the only substrate on which adult T. rehusa were recorded was the surface of M. modiolus shells, although juvenile T. retusa attached to this substrate suffered enhanced levels of mortality. Grazing pressures and spatial competition, believed to be reduced on complex surfaces, may account for the elevated mortality levels of M. modiolus-attached post-larvae prior to the apparent size refuge at a length of 2 mm. * Brachiopoda, Terebratulina, growth rate, disturbance, ecology, population structure .     

Biological aspects of theoretical shell morphology

Savazzi, E. 1990 04 15: Biological aspects of theoretical shell morphology. Lethaia . Vol. 23 , pp. 195–212. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164
Among the available methods in theoretical shell morphology. moving-frame method, produce the broadest range of shell shapes and appear to emulate most closely the biological processes involved in shell morphogenesis and growth. In addition, moving-frame methods can easily be enhnneed in both respects by adding operations that are similar in nature to the original procedures. Improvements beyond this point. however. require a qualitative change in approach. The focus of attention must he transferred from the shell lo the soft parts involved in shell construction. This may be done by (1) regarding the soft parts a5 pneus. and (2) controlling their shape and metabolism through morphogenetic programme based on biochemical reactions. * Theoretical morphology. functional morphology, modelling. computer graphics, Mollusca. Gastropoda. Bivalvia. Brachiopoda .     

Apertural constrictions in some oncocerid cephalopods

Stridsberg, Sven 1981 12 15: Apertural constrictions in some oncocerid cephalopods. Lethaia , Vol. 14, pp. 269–276. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
In some oncocerid cephalopods the shape of the aperture, siphuncle and the general outline of the shell have long served as generic characters. The aperture is mostly elaborated into a certain number of sinuses which take their final shape only in the adult. Therefore, knowledge of the relative age of the animal is required. The last chamber may serve as an indicator of age. A last chamber smaller than the second last indicates a mature specimen. This is because continued growth would have caused the death of the animal as the buoyancy turned negative. Moreover, it is of great importance to study the growth lines along the peristome to observe whether growth has ceased or not. Growth variations have been compared with growth stages. Furthermore, a constricted or contracted aperture can only be determined on specimens with the shell still preserved. Functional parallels are drawn between the Aprychopsis operculum and the restricted aperture. * Cephalopoda, Oncorerida. aperture, ontogeny, growth lines, functional morphologv , Aptychopsis. Silurian, Gotland .     

The influence of faunal condensation and mixing on the preservation of fossil benthic communities

Fürsich. Franz Theodor 1978 07 IS: The influence of faunal condensation and mixing on the preservation of fossil benthic communities. Lethaia , Vol. 11, pp. 243–250. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Condensation phenomena caused by environmental, biotic, or diagenetic factors are widespread in the fossil record, especially in shallow shelf sediments, and may alter the composition of ancient communities. Even without large-scale transport being involved, often only time-averaged seres will be available for palaeosynecological studies. This should be kept in mind when community analysis of such shell accumulations is attempted.     

Some morphological adaptations in freshwater bivalves

Savazzi, E. & Yao, P. 1992 04 15: Some morphological adaptations in freshwater bivalves. Lethaia , Vol. 25, pp. 195–209. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Several freshwater bivalves possess peculiar shell morphologies. An extension of the postero-dorsal shell margins above the hinge line evolved convergently in several unionids. This extension supplements the opening momentum of the ligament, but must be broken off periodically in order to allow further shell growth. Arconaia and Cuneopsis have evolved twisted commissure planes, comparable to those found in unrelated marine bivalves. In marine forms, byssus is believed to have played a fundamental role in the evolution of shell torsion. However, the twisted Unionidae do not possess a byssus in the adult stage, thus forcing us to re-evaluate our ideas on the adaptive value and evolution of shell torsion. Solenaia oleivora is apparently incapable of reburrowing and of retracting its foot within the shell. The foot may be functional as an anchor, and is perhaps involved in chemosynthesis by storing sulphur extracted as sulphide from the surrounding sediment. Other adaptations of freshwater bivalves include selective thickening of portions of the shell that enhance its stability, permanent anterior and posterior gapes, and oyster-like morphologies and shell structures. * Functional morphology, constructional morphology, burrowing, shell torsion, Mollusca, Bivalvia, Unionacea, Recent, Quaternary, People's Republic of China .     

Segmental growth in planulate ammonites: inferences on costal function

Checa, Antonio & Westermann, Gerd E. G. 1989 01 15: Segmental growth in planulate ammonites: inferences on costal function. Lethaia , Vol. 22, pp. 95–100. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
In planulate Ammonitina, the directions of costae and their parts coincide with the growth lines, both being accreted in parallel and subtriangular increments, i.e. segments. This implies that the growing margin was consistently corrugated (plicated) parallel to the edge of the peristome. The adventral separation of the ribs caused by the coiling increased with whorl involution and was compensated for by costal division into primaries and secondaries. We propose that costation of the shallow-water, nekto-benthic plandates reduced the stiffness and increased effective thickness of their growing peristome. Ribs functioned (primarily or secondarily) as a protection for the immature, fragile aperture against predators and impacts.□ Ammonite shell, Jurassic, morphology, growth lines, ornamentation, costae .     

The origin of the spiriferidine brachiopods

Wright, Anthony D. 197901 15: The origin of the spiriferidine brachiopods. Lethaia . Vol. 12. pp. 29–33. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
In recent years doubts have been expressed as to whether the strophic spiriferidines should continue to be grouped with the non-strophic spiriferids in the order Spiriferida or not. The solution to this problem will only be found by establishing the origin of the spiriferidines. A characteristic feature of the spiriferidines is their well developed micro-ornament; this is shared also by the orthid Platystrophiinae, and together with the striking similarity in overall morphology (well recognized in the early nineteenth century) it suggests that here, in the Platystrophia plexus, is the ancestral stock of the strophic spirebearers.
The Platystrophünae share with the non-strophic Rhynchonellida the potential to develop a spire. It is here considered that the former gave rise to the spiriferidines and the latter to the non-strophic spire-bearers. These quite separate developments justify the separation of the spire-bearers into the two orders Spiriferida and Atrypida.     

Size, shape and the distribution of organic matter in the Recent Antarctic brachiopod Liothyrella uva

The living terebratulid articulate brachiopod Liothyrella uva (Jackson 1912) was sampled from a shallow water population at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica. Neither shell height nor shell breadth were directly proportional to length and as a result there was a change in shell shape with size (and hence age); this change was small but statistically significant. The proportion of the total organic matter found in the shell and internal (mantle) tissues also changed with size. In small (5–7 mm length) brachiopods 70–80% of the total organic matter was located within the shell; this fraction decreased with increasing size until above about 25 mm length the proportion of organic matter in the shell was constant at 30–45%. Variability in this measure was influenced by infection with endolithic red algae. Punctal density was independent of size with a mean value of 95.7 per mm² [SE (standard error) ± 2.2], which was greater than in populations sampled from higher latitudes. With increasing shell length there was a slight increase in the size of puncta close to the shell edge. In all morphometric measures the range of variation observed was similar to that described from populations of Liothyrella from other areas of the Southern Ocean.     

Columnal ontogeny in articulate crinoids and its implications for their phylogeny

Simms, Michael J. 1969 01 15: Columnal ontogeny in articulate crinoids and its implications for their phylogeny. Lethaia , Vol. 22, pp. 61–68. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Detailed doamentation of columnal ontogeny in several Lower Jurassic isocrinids reveals a number of features which are of phylogenetic significance. Columnal proportions are determined by two largely independent growth vectors. Columnal diameter is primarily a function of cup size at the time of formation, though it may subsequently undergo considerable increase through lateral accretion. Columnal height is largely independent of cup size except for a gradual increase with the growth of the whole animal. Columnal diameter increases at a much greater rate than columnal height and so columnals are relatively lower in large individuals. Heterochronous variation in vertical growth rate or the extent of lateral accretion in columnals may significantly alter their shape. The smallest isocrinid columnals found (0.35 mm diameter) have synarthrial articula. The transformation to a typical pentaradiate symplexy, via a triradiate stage, occurs at a diameter of about 0.75 mm. Synarthrial articula are unknown in millericrinid columnals, which instead have symplectial articula at small diameters (0.45 mm). The presence of synarthrial articula in the stems of juvenile isocrinids, and their absence in millericrinids. supports previous hypotheses concerning derivation of bourgueticrinids from an isocrinid, rather than a millericrinid, ancestor.     

Sectorial expansion and shell morphogenesis in molluscs

Checa, A. 1991 01 15: Sectorial expansion and shell morphogenesis in molluses. Lethaia . Vol. 24, pp. 97–114. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Any coiled shell can be described as a series of independent helicospirals that join homologous points along the shell surface. The cross-section is therefore seen as a set of points. obtained at its intersection with the helicospirals. Any cross-sectional sector contained between two adjacent points is capable of expanding or contracting during the development and a differential parameter ( L'/L ) has been devised to quantify this expansion rate. The morphometrics so obtained is here called sectorial expansion analysis. This analysis and other related procedures have been applied on cross-sections and apertures in selected Molluxa with the aim of evaluating the incidence of sectorial expansions on shell shape. Those parameters affecting whorl expansion rate and whorl overlapping may be directly modified by sectorial expansions. Changes in the mode of coiling (curvature and torsion) often, but not always, involve sectorial expansions, perhaps as a constructional feature. This approach reveals the advantages and drawbacks of the present analysis as compared to previous theoretical models. Sectorial expansion. morphogenesis. ornamentation, septal suture, coiled shell, gastropods, bivalues. ammonites .     

Community succession in small bioherms of algae and sponges in the Lower Permian of New Mexico

Toomey. Donald F. & Cys. John M. 1979 01 15: Community succession in small bioherms of algae and sponges in the Lower Permian of New Mexico. Lethaia , Vol. 12. pp. 65–74. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Small organic mounds outcrop in the Lower Permian Laborcita Formation of the northern Sacramento Mountains of southcentral New Mexico. These small organic structures, up to I'm in height and 3 m in diameter, are unique because they show a well developed vertical biolic zonation. This zonation consists of an initial pioneer community composed of small digitate or plumose colonies of algae and foraminifers (Stage 1). This is followed by a climax community that is first dominated by laminar colonies of the red alga Archaeolithophyllum (Stage 2). and followed by a terminal community composed of minor Archaeolithophyllum , erect heliosponges and brachiopods, dominated by the form Composita (Stage 3). Evidence suggests that the mounds initially developed in shallow water within an open lagoon but. with continued transgression and rapid deepening of the depositional environment. the biota responded to the changes. The organic buildups were killed off by sudden influx of clastics from a tectonically active nearby landmass.     

Morphogenetic study of brachiopods

In this work we discuss the results of ontogenetic and morphobiological approaches to phylogenetic reconstructions of articulate brachiopods on the basis of morphogenetic data. These data provide the basis for generalizations concerning phylogeny and system of orders. The ontogenetic approach was the subject of criticism mainly because of arbitrary establishment of the homology of brachiopods. The constraints of the morphobiological approach are associated with the phenomena of morphological evolution without adaptive explanation so far. As an example of these phenomena, homeomorphism of brachiopods can be considered. Prospects for morphogenetic studies of brachiopods can be connected with the study of characteristic elements of their shell structure, such as porosity and mantle channels.     

Independent similarity in the morphological evolution of brachiopods

The close similarity of the shell exterior of articulate brachiopods from different orders, which must be taken into account in taxonomic identifications and phylogenetic reconstructions, is analyzed. A possible mechanism of the appearance of such brachiopods in connection with the morphogenetic generality of the structurally similar organisms is evaluated.     

Passive feeding in spiriferide brachiopods: an experimental approach using models of Devonian Paraspirifer and Cyrtospirifer

Shiino, Y. 2009: Passive feeding in spiriferide brachiopods: an experimental approach using models of Devonian Paraspirifer and Cyrtospirifer. Lethaia, Vol. 43, pp. 223–231. Passive feeding flows of two Devonian spiriferide brachiopods, Paraspirifer bownockeri and Cyrtospirifer sp., were examined experimentally using transparent hollow models and a flowing water tank. The models were constructed with polycarbonate plates using a vacuum heat press method. Another model of Paraspirifer with a spiral brachidium was constructed for the visualization of passive flow. The results of the ventral and dorsal directions of the hollow models suggest that outflow was generated through lateral gapes in the shell, while intake may have occurred through a sulcus gape. The passive internal flow inside the models invariably exhibited gyrating behaviour, and the axis of the rotation was similar to that of the spiral lophophore in spiriferides. Comparing the results using the hollow and backbone models indicates that the internal structures, which consisted mostly of the spiral brachidium, aided in adjusting the gyrating flows around the brachidium, even when the lateral region of the shell faced upstream. Extant terebratulides are known to generate gyrating flows around the median coils of the major feeding area, and this model best fits the relationship between the passive internal flows and the form of the lophophore. As a consequence, the shell forms of spiriferides could generate passive feeding flows from the gyrating movement surrounding the lophophore that are effective for feeding by the spiral lophophore. □Brachiopoda, flume experiment, functional morphology, impingement feeder, physiology, suspension feeder.