Brachiopoda

This chapter describes the taxonomy of Brachiopoda, a phylum of exclusively marine, sessile, filter-feeding invertebrates. Brachiopods are meroplanktonik with a biphasic life cycle including planktonic larvae and sessile benthic adults. The chapter covers their life cycle, ecology, and general morphology. It includes a section that indicates the systematic placement of the taxon described within the tree of life, and lists the key marine representative illustrated in the chapter (usually to genus or family level). This section also provides information on the taxonomic authorities responsible for the classification adopted, recent changes which might have occurred, and lists relevant taxonomic sources.