Matthevia
Temporal range: Late Cambrian–Lower Ordovician[1] [2]
Plates of Matthevia. Coin: 19 mm diameter
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: †Paleoloricata
Family: †Mattheviidae
Genus: †Matthevia
Walcott, 1885

Matthevia is a genus of Cambrian molluscs, perhaps related to the chitons.[3] It consists of repeated monoplacophoran-like shells; according to one hypothesis, chitons arose when these tall shells began to overlap over the generations. The tall element of the shell was retained and forms the tips of modern chiton plates.[3] There are distinct head, 'centre', and tail valves, which occur approximately in the ratio 1:5:1 — suggesting a seven-plated configuration.[4]

Matthevia was first described by Charles D. Walcott in 1885.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Ellis L. Yochelson; J. F. McAllister & Anthony Reso (1965). "Stratigraphic Distribution of the Late Cambrian Mollusk Matthevia WALCOTT, 1885". Geological Survey Research 1965, Professional Paper 525-B: B73–B78.
  2. ^ Pojeta, J.; Taylor, J. F.; Darrough, G. U. Y. (2005). "Matthevia (Polyplacophora) Invades the Ordovician: The First Reported Post-Cambrian Occurrence". Journal of Paleontology. 79 (5): 1021. doi:10.1666/0022-3360(2005)079[1021:MPITOT]2.0.CO;2.
  3. ^ a b Runnegar, B.; Pojeta Jr, J. (Oct 1974). "Molluscan Phylogeny: the Paleontological Viewpoint". Science. 186 (4161): 311–317. Bibcode:1974Sci...186..311R. doi:10.1126/science.186.4161.311. JSTOR 1739764. PMID 17839855.
  4. ^ Runnegar, B.; Pojeta, J.; Taylor, M. E.; Collins, D. (1979). "New Species of the Cambrian and Ordovician Chitons Matthevia and Chelodes from Wisconsin and Queensland: Evidence for the Early History of Polyplacophoran Mollusks". Journal of Paleontology. 53 (6): 1374–1394.
  5. ^ Walcott, C. D., 1885, Note on some Paleozoic pteropods: Am. Jour. Sci., v. 30, p. 17-21.


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