Microstructure and Crystallographic Characteristics of Stenolaemate Bryozoans (Phylum Bryozoa and Class Stenolaemata)

The bryozoan Cass Stenolaemata is currently represented by the Order Cyclostomata. They produce skeletons made exclusively of calcite crystals assembled into different microstructures. Despite extensive previous research, no appropriate crystallographic techniques have been applied to decipher their organization. We present an in-depth study microstructures three extant species (Fasciculipora ramosa, Hornera robusta, and Cinctipora elegans) using scanning electron microscopy associated (energy-dispersive spectroscopy backscatter diffraction), together with atomic force micro-computed tomography. differentiate two microstructures, foliated tabular calcite, establish consistent models crystallography. Foliated F. ramosa C. elegans consists co-oriented laths arranged c-axes parallel elongation axis main surfaces, one a*-axis perpendicular latter (sheet texture). Tabular H. robusta polygonal tablets c-axis as fiber (axial texture), tablet surface. bryozoans homeomorph that bivalves but has a significantly lacks spiral morphology tablet-shaped craniiformis brachiopods orientation respect constituent tablets.