Brachiopods
Brachiopods are a group of shelled sea-animals that, at first glance, can look similar to many modern types of clams or mussels (molluscs). However, inside their hinged shells brachiopods look quite different to molluscs and they are a separate phylum or group of animals. Brachiopods do still exist today but in the Permian they were much more common and were important reef-building animals.
There are many different types of brachiopod fossils recorded in Tasmanian Permian rocks. Among the most distinctive orders or groups are the beautiful, winged Spiriferid and the spikey Productid shells, both of which would have lived on the muddy sea floor.
There are many different types of brachiopod fossils recorded in Tasmanian Permian rocks. Among the most distinctive orders or groups are the beautiful, winged Spiriferid and the spikey Productid shells, both of which would have lived on the muddy sea floor.
Permian brachiopod fossils from southern Tasmania. Top row spiriferid moulds from Cygnet, bottom row left possible spiny productid from Fossil Cove, centre and right spiriferid from Fossil Cove and spiriferid cross-section from Cape Queen Elizabeth, Bruny Island.
Scale rule in cm, tortoise scale is approx. 3cm
Scale rule in cm, tortoise scale is approx. 3cm
