Rudists

Ortega-Hernández, Javier (2011) Rudists. Geology Today, 27 (2). pp. 74-77. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2451.2011.00790.x

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Abstract

Hippuritaceans, colloquially known as rudists, are an extinct group that encompasses some of the most specialized and successful bivalved molluscs that have ever lived. These were sessile marine organisms that dominated tropical shallow waters during the Cretaceous, becoming the most important reef builders during the Mesozoic. Rudists are notorious for their varied and extravagant shapes, which allowed them to exploit a wide range of ecological niches during their long-lived history of almost 100 million years. Probably the most striking feature of rudist bivalves is their bizarre appearance, which for centuries puzzled renowned scholars of the calibre of Lamarck and Cuvier; as a matter of fact, Lamarck coined the name ‘Les Rudistes’ to emphasize their rather rugged and aberrant morphology. However, deep inside, rudists are not very different from other bivalved molluscs, although they possess an interesting array of adaptations for their peculiar mode of life.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2011AREP; IA63;
Subjects:	04 - Palaeobiology
Divisions:	04 - Palaeobiology
Journal or Publication Title:	Geology Today
Volume:	27
Page Range:	pp. 74-77
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2451.2011.00790.x
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2011 16:27
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:02
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/2215

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