Brachiopod spines as microfossils

Abstract

In microfossil assemblages found in Late Palaeozoic formations of Poland there occur abundant calcareous tubes which have been identified as spines of brachiopods. They show a diversity of shape and size, which may reflect their various adaptative functions. These spines belong to brachiopods of the superfamilies Productacea of Strophalosiacea. Abundant accumulations of brachiopod spines can be used as correlation beds and indicators of the sedimentary conditions.