Stenolaemata
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox
| color = pink
| name = Stenolaemata
| regnum = Animalia
| phylum = Bryozoa
| classis = Stenolaemata
| subdivision_ranks = Families
| subdivision =
Order Cyclostomatida
Order Hederellida (?)
Order Trepostomatida
Order Cystoporida
Order Cryptostomida
Order Fenestrida
}}
Stenolaemata are marine bryozoans with tubular zooids with strongly calcified walls. They are characterized by a lophophore which is protruded by the action of annular muscles. Most forms lack an operculum. Stenolaemata were the predominant Bryozoan group during the Paleozoic. Some grew as lacy or fan-like colonies that became important reef builders and in some regions form an abundant component of limestones. Their numbers were greatly reduced during the terminal Permian extinction event.