Functional interpretation of lyre-shaped Bryozoa

Abstract

Colonies of Late Paleozoic lyre-shaped fenestrate bryozoans began growth on rigid substrates which were on the sea floor. After production of a basal disc, a fenestrate network developed in the shape of an erect bowed fan. The fenestrate fan was initially concave on the apertural side, but the curvature reversed a few millimeters above the base. Colonies were then separated along or just above the basal disc, and rested directly on the sea floor. The zooecial apertures were directed upward. The lateral margin of the fan grew to form the supporting struts of the soon-to-be lyre-shaped colony. An open vault formed below the upwardly bowed fan. Lyre-shaped colonies are interpreted to have lain on the sea floor so that each had the proximal end on the upcurrent side. Feeding zooids were on the upper surface and pulled water through their expanded tentacles. The filtered water passed through the fenestrules, into the vault, and out the open end of the vault, which was on the downcurrent side.