Ostracoda

Geologic Range
Early Cambrian – Recent

Common Paleoecology
Ostracoda is an extant order of epifaunal organisms with a variety of feeding habits.

Characteristics of the Class

• Laterally compressed crustacean with two valves.
• Generally calcified and hinged along dorsal side.
• 4 pairs of cephalic appendages and 1-3 pairs of thoracic appendages.
• Lack of abdominal appendages.

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Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, Part Q, Arthropoda 3 (1961):

• Laterally compressed Crustacea with bivalve carapace, more or less calcified, and hinged along dorsal margin, enclosing bisegmented body with head undifferentiated, bearing 4 pairs of cephalic appendages, 1 to 3 pairs of thoracic appendages and a pair of furcal rami, but no abdominal appendages.

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