Identifying Spiriferida Order Brachiopod Fossils
Abstract
Spiriferids are an extinct order of brachiopods that first appeared during the late Ordovician. Working hands-on with dozens of these fossils, I’ve noticed patterns and familiarized myself with their characteristic features. These fossils are identified by their wide hinge line, giving them a winged appearance, among other features such as the prominent beak, the distinct fold and sulcus, and the ribbing of their shells. The observations I’ve made about Spiriferids are consistent with existing research, reinforcing the current understanding of this order of brachiopods. Identification of Spiriferids is vital to the continued studies of extinct brachiopods as a whole.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Martinsen
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Geography
Primary Research Category
Physical Science
Identifying Spiriferida Order Brachiopod Fossils
Spiriferids are an extinct order of brachiopods that first appeared during the late Ordovician. Working hands-on with dozens of these fossils, I’ve noticed patterns and familiarized myself with their characteristic features. These fossils are identified by their wide hinge line, giving them a winged appearance, among other features such as the prominent beak, the distinct fold and sulcus, and the ribbing of their shells. The observations I’ve made about Spiriferids are consistent with existing research, reinforcing the current understanding of this order of brachiopods. Identification of Spiriferids is vital to the continued studies of extinct brachiopods as a whole.
