Rudists

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Rudists are a group of bivalves that peaked in abundance and diversity during the late Mesozoic era, particuarly in the Cretaceous period, at the end of which they became extinct. Their "classic" morphology consisted of a lower, roughly conical valve that was attached to the seafloor or to neighboring rudists, and a smaller upper valve that served as a kind of lid for the organism.

Their classification as true reef-builders is controversial, yet they were one of the most important constituents of coral reefs during the Cretaceous period.[link] At one point, rudist reefs fringed the North American coast from the Gulf of Mexico to the present-day Maritime Provinces. Because of their high porosity, rudist reefs are highly-favored oil traps.

See also:

• Inoceramid bivalves

External links:

• ["An Introduction to the Paleontology of Rudist Bivalves." (Accessed 7/2/06)]
• [Paleos.com: "The Aptian Age" (info on rudists) (Accessed 7/2/06)]

 

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