X.—<i>Kochiproductus coronus</i>sp. nov. from the Scottish Viséan and a Possible Mechanical Advantage of its Flange Structure

Abstract

Synopsis Kochiproductus coronus sp. nov., a flanged buxtoniid from upper Viséan limestone of Ayrshire, Scotland, is described and a reconstruction attempted. The possible functions of the flange are discussed. Experiments carried out on a laminar flow table indicate that one effect of this structure would be to check the velocity of incoming feeding currents thus trapping sediment and dense particles on the lower flange but allowing the free inflow of food material.