Formation of the Diversity of the Brachiopod Order Spiriferida at the Devonian–Carboniferous Boundary

Resumo

The diversity of the brachiopod order Spiriferida at the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary possibly formed due to the changes in the sedimentation that took place during this period and influenced the composition and hardness of the seafloor substrates and bottom-water hydrodynamics in the marine basins. These characteristics are considered among the main factors, both stimulating and restricting, that determined the composition and ethological trophic type of the main spiriferide taxa at this stage.