Classification:
Phylum: Brachiopoda
Class: Lingulata
Scientific Name: Lingula
Class: Lingulata
Scientific Name: Lingula
General Characteristics:
Lingula is a very ancient species of brachiopods and is often considered an example of a "living fossil". Like bivalves, Lingula have two shells. However, their shells have distinguishable dorsal and ventral sides, separating them from the mollusk phylum. They also have a stalk that extends through a hole near the tip of one of its shells. Lingula are filter feeders and attach themselves to substrates with byssus filaments.
Habitat:
Species of Lingula tend to be restricted to littoral and sub-littoral marine environments. They attach themselves to a variety of substrate ranging from estuarine mudflats to crushed coral debris. Lingula can be found distributed in Australasia, Indian Ocean rim, North-west Africa, Japan and China.
Importance to Humans:
Lingula have no known direct interaction with humans. They are used by scientists to study the fossil record and taxon relationships.
Sources:
"Lingula anatina". Natural History Museum. Retrieved from: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/species-of-the-day/biodiversity/climate-change/lingula-anatina/index.html.