A new asteroid genus from the Jurassic of England and its functional significance

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The new asteroid (Echinodermata) genus Brachisolaster is based on Solaster moretonis Forbes (Solasteridae), described from Jurassic rocks of Gloucestershire. Brachisolaster (Order Velatida) demonstrates that characteristic solasteroid features were defined by the Bathonian. Arms are more numerous in Brachisolaster moretonis than in living solasteroids; the appearance is suggestive of that of living Heliaster (Asteriidae). Heliaster feeds largely on molluscs and barnacles, whereas the diet of living solasteroids stresses more active echinoderms. Solasteroids use their fewer but larger arms to subdue and manipulate prey. Brachisolaster is suggested to have had feeding habits more like those of Heliaster than like those of extant solasterids. -from Author

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)147-154
Number of pages8
JournalPalaeontology
Volume36
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Palaeontology

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