Growth and Size Distribution of the Brachiopod Terebratalia transversa Sowerby

Abstract

Relatively synchronized samplings of man-made structures of known but varying ages have been used to generate a growth curve for Terebratalia. Modes indicative of the first four or five year classes were recognized, and seem internally consistent with each other. Older year classes were indistinguishable. In the vicinity of Seattle, Washington, this species probably does not survive more than nine to ten years. Growth lines, though conspicuous shell features, are not related to age.