Article: Ecology and functional morphology of an uncinulid brachiopod from the Devonian of Spain

The orientations, with respect to the bedding planes, of 145 specimens of Uncinulus pita (Schnur. 1851) were plotted. From the results it is concluded that this species lived with its beak downwards and lhat the posterior region, in the sediment, was sealed by squamae and glottae. This interpretation is supported by the mesothyridid to permesothyridid pedicle opening. This life position would have been advantageous in helping the separation of inward and outward currents of sea-water, especially if the animal could rotate on its pedicle in response to changes in the marine flow. Geniculation. at the end of the brephic stage of ontogeny, involved important alterations in ttie life habits of U. pita; in particular its orientation changed from resting on its dorsal valve to the adult vertical position. The ecology of related species is compared and the convergence of habit of the Permian tetracamerid Septacamera is noted.