Brachiopod Bed (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 1220

Biotic Setting	Benthic/Attached Biota
Biotic Class	Faunal Bed
Biotic Subclass	Soft Sediment Fauna
Biotic Group	Brachiopod Bed
Biotic Community	Glottidia Bed Lingula Bed

Description

Definition

Soft-sediment areas dominated by burrowing, clam-like brachiopods, a phylum of animals with two shells, a stalk-like peduncle, and a tentacular, ciliated feeding organ. In soft sediment dwelling species, the peduncle and the valves are adapted to burrowing. In other brachiopod species, the animal is adapted to attach to hard substrate (see Attached Brachiopods, above). Most brachiopods feed on plankton or on detritus. Brachiopods may occur in very high densities in some soft sediment areas, including intertidal areas (particularly on the west coast of the United States).