Terebratalia is a genus of brachiopods belonging to the family Terebrataliidae.[1]
Key characteristics of Terebratalia and brachiopods in general include:
1. **Shell Structure**: Brachiopods have two shells, or valves, that are typically symmetrical along the hinge line but different in size and shape from each other. Terebratalia, in particular, often has smooth, biconvex shells.
2. **Lophophore**: They possess a specialized feeding structure called a lophophore, which is a crown of tentacles used for filter-feeding.
3. **Pedicle**: Many brachiopods, including some species of Terebratalia, have a stalk-like structure called a pedicle that anchors them to the substrate.
4. **Habitat**: They are mostly found in marine environments, from shallow waters to deep sea. They attach to hard surfaces or burrow into soft sediments.
5. **Fossil Record**: Terebratalia and other brachiopods have a rich fossil record, making them valuable for studying ancient marine ecosystems and biostratigraphy.
Understanding Terebratalia contributes to the broader knowledge of marine biodiversity and evolutionary biology.
The species of this genus are found in Northern America and Japan.
Species: