BRACHIOPODS 1: Peniculauris
Phylum Brachiopoda: Peniculauris bassi
Peniculauris bassi belongs to the family Productidae, so we call
it a “productid” brachiopod. The name Peniculauris
is
the genus of the animal, and Peniculauris bassi indicates the species.
Since only various parts protrude from the rocks, it is difficult to form a
mental picture of the shell: see the drawing on page 10. Here is a cross
section of this large, robust shell. Another productid genus, Rugatia, is
also common here. Rugatia is usually smaller and more strongly bi-lobed
than Peniculauris.