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

Location: Valongo Formation, Arouca, Portugal

Weight: 2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 3.6 Inches Long, 2.6 Inches wide, 0.4 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Dimensions: 2 Inches Long, 1.1 Inches wide

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Middle Ordovician Age, 470 Million Years Old.

Paralenorthis sp. refers to an undetermined species within the brachiopod genus Paralenorthis, a member of the class Rhynchonellata. Brachiopods are marine invertebrates characterized by bivalve-like shells arranged dorsally and ventrally. The genus belongs to the phylum Brachiopoda, a group notable for its extensive fossil record extending back to the Cambrian period. The use of sp. indicates that the exact species has not been formally identified, but the specimen can be confidently assigned to the genus Paralenorthis.

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, important brachiopod-bearing fossil deposits occur in regions such as the Lusitanian Basin, an area shaped by long-term geological processes and known for its rich marine fossil record. The occurrence of Paralenorthis sp. within these strata indicates that suitable marine conditions and climates once prevailed, allowing these organisms to flourish.

Species of the genus Paralenorthis display classic features of rhynchonellid brachiopods, including two largely symmetrical valves that range from rounded to oval in outline. The shells often show fine ribbing or surface ornamentation, characteristics that are important for taxonomic recognition and identification.

Internally, these brachiopods possessed a lophophore, a specialized feeding organ unique to the group, which enabled them to filter plankton and organic particles from seawater. This feeding strategy reflects their adaptation to nutrient-rich shallow marine environments, and their fossils provide valuable evidence for reconstructing ancient seafloor conditions and marine ecosystems.