1.9" Fossil Paralenorthis Sp Brachiopod In Matrix Valongo Formation Arouca Portugal

Location: Valongo Formation, Arouca, Portugal

Weight: 8.2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 3.4 Inches Long, 3.3 Inches wide, 0.6 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Dimensions: 1.9 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches wide

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Middle Ordovician Age, 470 Million Years Old.

Paralenorthis sp. represents an undetermined species within the brachiopod genus Paralenorthis, belonging to the class Rhynchonellata. Brachiopods are marine invertebrates characterized by bivalve-like shells arranged dorsally and ventrally. The genus is part of the phylum Brachiopoda, a group with a rich fossil record extending back to the Cambrian period. The designation sp. indicates that the specimen cannot be assigned to a specific species but is clearly identifiable at the genus level.

In Portugal, fossils of Paralenorthis sp. are associated with Paleozoic sedimentary formations, where brachiopods are commonly preserved. These organisms inhabited shallow marine environments, attaching to firm seafloor substrates provided by limestone and other sedimentary rocks. Their presence reflects periods of stable marine conditions and contributes to the understanding of Paleozoic marine ecosystems in the region.

In Portugal, significant fossil beds containing brachiopods have been located in areas such as the Lusitanian Basin, which has yielded a variety of marine fossils due to its historical geological activity. The presence of Paralenorthis sp. suggests that these organisms thrived during periods when the climate was conducive to marine life.

Members of the genus Paralenorthis exhibit distinct morphological features typical of rhynchonellid brachiopods. They possess two valves (shells) that are generally symmetrical and can vary in shape from rounded to oval. The surface texture may include fine ribbing or ornamentation, which can aid in species identification.

The internal structure includes a lophophore—a feeding organ unique to brachiopods—allowing them to filter feed on plankton and organic particles suspended in water. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in nutrient-rich marine environments.