Although a quick look might suggest this is a clam shell, it is actually an extinct Brachiopod.

Although more than 200 species exist today, this group was much larger in prehistoric times. Over 30,000 species have been identified from as long ago as the Cambrian.

There are two classes. The Inarticulata class used muscles to connect the two shells. The Articulata class had the shells hinged.

There is an excellent write up in the Encyclopedia Britanica 1966 issue that includes over 40 pictured specimens.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

NEW SEARCH