Camerata_(subclass)
Camerata (crinoid)
Extinct subclass of crinoids
The Camerata or camerate crinoids are an extinct subclass of Paleozoic stalked crinoids. They were some of the earliest crinoids to originate during the Early Ordovician, reached their maximum diversity during the Mississippian, and became extinct during the Permian–Triassic extinction event.[2] Camerates are the sister group of Pentacrinoidea, which contains all other crinoids (including living species). The two largest camerate subgroups are the orders Diplobathrida and Monobathrida.[3][4]
Anatomically, they are distinguished by:[5]
- fused junctions between the plates of the cup
- brachial plates incorporated into the cup
- tegmen forming a rigid roof over the mouth
- no less than ten and sometimes a very large number of free arms, often pinnulate
