Which major classes are used to classify lamp shells?

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Lamp shells, which belong to the phylum Brachiopoda, are classified into two major classes based on the presence or absence of articulation in their valves:12

  • Class Inarticulata: These brachiopods have shells that do not articulate by teeth and sockets. Instead, their valves are held together by a complex system of muscles. Their shells are typically composed of chitinophosphatic material, and they possess an intestine with an anal opening.2
  • Class Articulata: These brachiopods feature shells that articulate by means of teeth and sockets. Their shells are always composed of calcareous material, and they possess a less complicated musculature than inarticulate species. Notably, they lack an outside opening from the intestine.2