Name/Title
Lamp ShellsEntry/Object ID
2011.57.85Description
Description: Phylum: Brachiopoda
Family: Spirferidae
Genus:Spiriferda
Common Name: Lamp Shells
Age: Jurassic
Location: Utah
Description: (2) partial fossils embedded in a thick slab of shale. Only the lower half of each specimen remains. Color is black to light gray.
Physical Characteristics:
Brachiopods are a phylum of marine animals that have hard "valves" (shells) on the upper and lower surfaces. Most species of brachiopod went extinct during the P–T extinction over 250 million years ago, but many survive today.Brachiopod valves are hinged at the rear end, while the front can be opened for feeding or closed for protection. Articulate brachiopods have toothed hinges and simple opening and closing muscles, while inarticulate brachiopods have untoothed hinges and more complex muscles. In a typical brachiopod a stalk-like pedicle projects from an opening in the hinge or from a hole in the larger valve, attaching the animal to the sea bed but clear of silt that would obstruct the opening.
Family: Spiriferidae
Genus: Spiriferda
Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum: BrachiopodaCollection
Museum Collection of FossilsAcquisition
Accession
2011.57Source or Donor
Museum Collection of FossilsAcquisition Method
Long-term LoanDimensions
Width
2-1/2 inDepth
7/8 inLength
3-1/2 inLocation
Location
Container
CenterDrawer
2nd ShelfShelf
CenterCabinet
Case # 51Wall
NorthRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
Permanent
