noun
- marine invertebrate animals with two shells that lived attached to the sea floor, abundant in ancient seas but rare today
Usage: scientific; paleontology
Examples
- Brachiopods were among the most common fossils found in the limestone quarry.
- The paleontologist identified several species of brachiopods in the rock formation.
- Unlike clams, brachiopods have shells that are different sizes from each other.
- Most brachiopods became extinct millions of years ago during mass extinction events.
- The museum’s fossil collection includes well-preserved brachiopods from the Paleozoic Era.
- Modern brachiopods are much less diverse than their ancient relatives.