A reappraisal of the genus Tethyrhynchia Logan, 1994 (Rhynchonellida, Brachiopoda): a conflict between phylogenies obtained from morphological characters and molecular data

Abstract

The genus Tethyrhynchia Logan in Logan & Zibrowius, 1994 is revised on the basis of different methods of analysis including SEM observations, detailed ontogenetic study of the crural development, transverse serial sections, and shell microstructure. Some morphological characters cited in the original diagnosis are analysed and contested by the ontogenetic results. The type of crura of Tethyrhynchia, often placed in the arcual group, appears to be of the raducal group, instead. Paedomorphosis and heterochronic development offer the possibility of opening a dialogue between morphological and phylogenetic approaches to classification of rhynchonellide brachiopods.