Scioly.org

gneissisnice wrote:The only inarticulate brachiopod we have to know is Lingula, the rest are articulate.
Think of an articulate brachiopod like a castanet. it opens like a bivalve.

does the lingula open like a castanet then?

also, I figured teeth were little ridges that fit together nicely, instead of just two flat pieces of shell touching

from what i know it just kinda stays half open all the time but im not totally sure

jazzy90 wrote: also, I figured teeth were little ridges that fit together nicely, instead of just two flat pieces of shell touching

But then how does it stay closed if the teeth just fit together?

Brachiopods don't have teeth, and the area where the two shells meet often is not "ridged". Also they wouldn't need to fit together perfectly. The real "teeth" of the brachiopod are inside, on the lophophore.

What's the difference between inarticulate and articulate brachiopods?

The first kind are difficult to understand.

vfunnyline wrote:What's the difference between inarticulate and articulate brachiopods?

That's what we've been trying to figure out. Basically (technicalities aside), the way that they stay closed are different. If anyone could give a more concise answer, please do!

What exactly defines a field guide? I have a large encyclopedia of fossils that won't fit in my pocket or my binder.

The Herpetology Field Guide is listed as

"Amphibians & Reptiles/Herpetology: A Field Guide (Section 2) is defined for Science Olympiad purposes as "A published manual (any size) which identifies objects in a class, usually natural things, for carrying in the field or classroom." (10/27/08)"

So I think it would be the same for Fossils. It doesn't need to fit in your pocket or binder.

Does anyone know about fossil modes of life, index fossils, carbon dating, volcanic ash layers, mineral and organic components of skeletons, and fossil bearing sedimentary rocks? I'm new to Science Olympiad, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.