Cyrtospirifer verneuili

Overview

Cyrtospirifer verneuili is a brachiopod characterized by a broad shell and sharp hinge tips extending to either side. Explore its form by following the central raised area, groove, and outward-spreading folds.^[1]

Key facts

Shells once given the same name did not always belong to the same species. A 2003 study compared specimens from the original locality with material from other regions to reassess the boundaries of the species.^[1]

Time and place

The study focuses on the Frasnian Stage of the Late Devonian. The researchers used fourteen specimens from the type locality at Ferques in present-day France for comparison.^[1]

The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.

Size, form and skeleton

The shell is wider than it is long, with pointed extensions at both ends of the hinge. A distinct central raised area and groove accompany radiating folds, making directions visible within the broad outline.^[1]

Cyrtospirifer verneuili was a brachiopod of Late Devonian seas. A specimen from the Cantabrian Mountains presented by the University of Huelva museum in Spain is recorded as 4 cm × 2.6 cm. This small animal, enclosed in two shell valves, was preserved in ancient marine strata that now form mountains.^[4]

Habitat and reproduction

The 2003 study compares the spread of several species of this genus across ancient continental-shelf seas with changes in sea level. Shell material preserved in different regions offers clues to ancient marine connections.^[1]

Fossil discovery

The study traces the species name to Murchison’s 1840 description. The Ferques material was borrowed from the Yale Peabody Museum, and the illustrated later comparison specimens YPM38093, 38094, 38119, and 38121 were identified separately.^[1]

References

1. Ma·Day (2003) — Brachiopod species concepts examined through Ferques specimens
2. Falahatgar et al. (2018) — Devonian colonial corals found in Iran
3. Ma·Day (2003) — Brachiopod species concepts examined through Ferques specimens
4. University of Huelva Virtual Museum of Palaeontology — Cyrtospirifer specimen

Research questions

The study also addressed earlier reports that the original type specimen had been lost. Comparing several specimens from the same locality became an important basis for maintaining the meaning of an old species name.^[1]

Observation

In the illustration, move your gaze from the ends of the broad hinge to the central raised area and groove. Look at the directions in which the radiating folds spread in each area.^[1]