A remarkable similarity in scaly shell structure in Early Cambrian univalved limpets (Monoplacophora; Maikhanellidae) and a Recent fissurellid limpet (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda) with a review of Maikhanellidae

	Molluscan ResearchISSN 1323-5818
	An international journal of the Malacological Society of Australasia published by Magnolia Press

Molluscan Research 27(3): 129-139; published 31 Oct. 2007
Copyright © The Malacological Society of Australasia
A remarkable similarity in scaly shell structure in Early Cambrian univalved limpets (Monoplacophora; Maikhanellidae) and a Recent fissurellid limpet (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda) with a review of Maikhanellidae

W. F. PONDER¹, P. Yu. PARKHAEV² AND D. L. BEECHEY¹¹Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia. Email winston.ponder@austmus.gov.au
²Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Profsoyuznaya 123, Moscow, 117647, Russia. Email pparkh@paleo.ru

Abstract

A remarkable similarity in a scaly external (probably calcified periostracal) sculpture between Lower Cambrian limpet-like taxa and a modern septate fissurellid limpet, Vacerrena kesteveni (Hedley), is demonstrated. Both taxa also have cross lamellar shell structure. Taxonomic notes on both the Lower Cambrian and Recent taxa are provided, including a review of the Lower Cambrian Maikhanellidae and the genus Canopoconus.

Key words: Fissurellidae, Vacerrena, Canopoconus, China, shell scales, convergence

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Published : 31 Oct. 2007