Lesson plan
Constellaria
Constellaria is an extinct genus of bryozoan from the Middle Ordovician to Early Silurian (510-410 million years ago) from North America, Asia and Europe. These branching coral-like bryozoans formed bushy colonies 10–15 mm (0.375-0.5 inches) across on the seabed. The fairly thick branches were erect, often compressed in one direction, and covered with distinctive tiny, star-shaped mounds called maculae or monticules (regularly shaped hummocks). Feeding zoids were located along the rays of the stars. The maculae probably formed "chimneys" for the expulsion of exhalant feeding currents from the surface of a colony, after water had been filtered to obtain food for the organisms.
Article summary
Constellaria is an extinct genus of bryozoan from the Middle Ordovician to Early Silurian (510-410 million years ago) from North America, Asia and Europe. These branching coral-like bryozoans formed bushy colonies 10–15 mm (0.375-0.5 inches) across on the seabed. The fairly thick branches were erect, often compressed in one direction, and covered with distinctive tiny, star-shaped mounds called maculae or monticules (regularly shaped hummocks). Feeding zoids were located along the rays of the stars. The maculae probably formed "chimneys" for the expulsion of exhalant feeding currents from the surface of a colony, after water had been filtered to obtain food for the organisms.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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