Delocrinus Explained

Delocrinus is a genus of extinct crinoids, belonging to the family Catacrinidae.[1] Specimens have been found in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Arizona, Iowa, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Eperisocrinus missouriensis, formerly delocrinus missouriensis, was made the state fossil of Missouri in 1989.[2]

Description

Like extant crinoids, Delocrinus species was anchored to a hard surface by a holdfast out of which grew an articulated stalk. On top of this was a calyx with a number of feather-like arms. Each arm bore short branches known as pinnules and from these cirri were extended which sifted plankton from the water flowing past.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Delocrinus. Palaeobiology Database.
  2. Web site: Missouri's State Fossil . Office of the Secretary of State, Missouri. 6 April 2023.
  3. Book: Zoology . registration . Dorit . R. L. . Walker . W. F. . Barnes . R. D. . 1991 . Saunders College Publishing . 978-0-03-030504-7 . 790–792 .