Stringocephalus burtini

Overview

Stringocephalus burtini is a brachiopod with a rounded pear- or heart-shaped shell. Both valves are convex, and the large beak on one curves inward. Comparing shells as they change through growth is rewarding.^[1]

Key facts

Juveniles have straighter beaks and less inflated shells. Older individuals can become rounded and inflated like a ball. These fossils prompt questions about whether differences reflect distinct species or growth.^[1]

Time and place

It is associated with Middle Devonian Givetian seas, around 388–382 million years ago. Specimens from the Dziewki limestone near Siewierz, Poland, have been studied. Fossils from other European regions, including Ferques in France, are also compared.^[1][2]

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

Size, form and skeleton

The ventral valve is particularly convex, with a large beak curving inward above it. A small oval opening occurs in the beak. The front margin where the valves meet can be examined alongside the gently curved hinge.^[1]

Stringocephalus burtini was a brachiopod of Devonian seas. Museum specimen PRI 76902 from Paffrath in present-day Germany is approximately 7 cm in its longest dimension. Imagine the size of its two-valved body beside the palm of a hand.^[4]

Habitat and reproduction

Brachiopods are marine animals that filter small food particles from water. Specimens of this species from Ferques, France, were reported mainly from limestones associated with reef environments. Considering the hard shell and surrounding rock together helps explore the ancient seafloor.^[2][3]

Fossil discovery

In 1971, Baliński compared several Polish shells in detail. Ten nearly complete specimens and damaged fossils were used in the study. Later regional studies added other localities and environments where the species is known.^[1][2]

References

1. Baliński1971 — Stringocephalus burtini from Poland
2. Brice2002 — Devonian brachiopods from Ferques, France
3. British Geological Survey — The body and feeding of brachiopods
4. Paleontological Research Institution — Stringocephalus specimen PRI 76902
5. Ma·Day (2003) — Brachiopod species concepts examined through Ferques specimens

Research questions

Was an inflated, rounded shell shaped this way from the beginning? Researchers compare beaks and valve convexity across differently sized specimens. Understanding growth within one species can help clarify differences from other similar brachiopods.^[1]

Observation

Find the small opening in the large curved beak, then follow the two rounded valves. Comparing them with the less inflated form of a juvenile makes changes during growth easier to imagine.^[1]