Devonian Flower Beds for Bryozoa Animals and Flower Animals

The data on the first findings of bryozoa and tabulatomorphic corals of the genus Aulopora on the shells of atrypids of Transcaucasia in the range from the Emsian to the Frasnian stage are presented. Most of the bryozoa, represented by genera Atactotoechus (?), Fistulipora (?), and Leioclema (?), were found on the dorsal valves of brachiopods in the immediate vicinity of the commissura. Corals are developed in approximately equal proportions either only on the dorsal valve, or on both valves. In the latter case, the colonies usually cover a significant part of the dorsal valve, pass through the commissura and occupy a small part of the abdominal valve. The presence of epibionts in the immediate vicinity of the commissura (some colonies are confined strictly to the commissura) and the frequent orientation of the corallite holes in its direction indicate a lifetime settlement of the fouling. The discovery of colonies crossing over the edge of the brachiopod shell indicates a postmortem settlement and reveals the depths of the surface waves or bottom currents that moved the shells of the dead brachiopods. The absence of over-growth of colonies of bryozoa and corals on each other may indicate the lack or a shortage of the solid substrate on the sea floor that was necessary for their vital activity.

bryozoa, aulopores, atrypids, epibiontia, Devonian, Transcaucasia