They were the most common shelled macroinvertebrates in the Paleozoic era.
Brachiopods are fascinating marine invertebrates often mistaken for clams, but they are entirely different organisms with a rich, 550-million-year history. Known commonly as "lamp shells," they were dominant in Paleozoic seas but are now relatively rare, often found in deep or cold waters. brachiopod
They resemble ancient Roman oil lamps, especially the Terebratulida order. They were the most common shelled macroinvertebrates in
While decimated by the end-Permian mass extinction, they are not extinct, with ~400+ extant species. 🔬 Biology and Lifestyle they are not extinct
They are benthic (sea-floor dwellers) and sessile (permanently attached to the seafloor), generally filter-feeding.
They are divided into two main groups: Inarticulates (no hinges, simple muscle systems) and Articulates (hinged with a complex system).