Harman Patil (Editor)

Brooksella alternata

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Class
  
Hexactinellida

Family
  
Protospongiidae

Rank
  
Species

Phylum
  
Porifera

Order
  
Reticulosa

Genus
  
Brooksella

Similar
  
Undichna, Phycodes, Helminthopsis, Diplocraterion, Treptichnus pedum

Brooksella alternata is a species of lobate Cambrian fossil sponge found in the Conasauga Formation of Alabama and Georgia. These fossils are often referred to as "star-cobbles" for their distinct lobate appearance, generally with 6 or more lobes.

Brooksella alternata was first described in 1896 by Charles Walcott, who believed them to be medusoid body fossils of cnidarians.

Later researchers have offered other explanations, from diagenetic gas bubbles to burrow traces. The most accepted identity is that they are hexactinellid sponges, based on observed spicules, ostia, and internal structure.

References

Brooksella alternata Wikipedia