The kingdom Animalia is here estimated to have a total of 1,659,420 described species (including 133,692 fossil species) in 40 phyla. Among these, the most successful phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,302,809 species, or about 78.5% of the total. The second largest phylum, Mollusca (118,061 species), is <10% of Arthropoda in diversity, but it is still much more diverse than other successful ...

The fossil record holds a wealth of ecological data, including data on biotic interactions. For example, holes in the skeletons of invertebrates produced by drilling activities of their enemies are widely used for exploring the intensity of such interactions through time because they are common and easily distinguished from non-biotic holes or holes produced by other types of interactions. Such...

A new species of Platidia (Brachiopoda, Platidiidae) was dredged by R.V. 'Sarsia' in November 1956 in the La Chapelle Bank region, attached to the dead part of the coral Anisopsammia rostrata (Pourta1es).1 Eight entire specimens and two smashed were dredged at position 47° 30' N., 7° 20' W. at a depth of 870 to 970 fathoms, and one at position 47° 38' N., 7° 28' W. at 710 to 750 fathoms. All, e...