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

Location: Valongo Formation, Arouca, Portugal

Weight: 10.1 Ounces 

Dimensions: 4.8 Inches Long, 4.1 Inches wide, 0.7 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Dimensions: 1.9 Inches Long, 1.2 Inches wide

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Middle Ordovician Age, 470 Million Years Old.

Paralenorthis sp is a genus of brachiopods belonging to the class Rhynchonellata, which are characterized by their bivalve-like shells and are primarily found in marine environments. The classification of Paralenorthis places it within the phylum Brachiopoda, which is known for its diverse fossil record dating back to the Cambrian period. The specific species referred to as Paralenorthis sp. indicates that it is an unidentified or unspecified species within this genus.

The distribution of Paralenorthis sp. in Portugal can be linked to the geological formations present in the region, particularly those from the Paleozoic era, where many brachiopod fossils have been discovered. These organisms typically inhabit shallow marine environments, often associated with sedimentary rock formations that provide suitable substrates for their attachment.

In Portugal, notable brachiopod fossil beds have been discovered in areas such as the Lusitanian Basin, which preserves a rich diversity of marine fossils shaped by historical geological activity. The presence of Paralenorthis sp. indicates that these organisms thrived during periods of favorable marine climate and nutrient-rich conditions.

Species of the genus Paralenorthis display classic rhynchonellid brachiopod features, including two generally symmetrical valves that range in shape from rounded to oval. Shell surfaces may show fine ribbing or ornamentation, which aids in species identification and classification.

Internally, these brachiopods possessed a lophophore, a specialized feeding organ unique to the group, allowing them to filter plankton and organic particles from seawater. This adaptation enabled Paralenorthis sp. to survive and flourish in shallow, nutrient-rich marine environments, making them valuable indicators of ancient Paleozoic ecosystems.