Introduction to Meiofauana, Part 6

This week I am happy to present one of the more morphologically unique meiofauna, the ostracod. Ostracods are very small crustaceans that often live in marine sediments, though some can live in damp terrestrial habitats. Ostracods are also one of the largest crustacean groups, and consists of 8,000 different species. The unique morphology of ostracods, as seen in the picture below, resembles that of a bivalve (clam, mussel, etc.). The hinged carapace protects their body from harm and they shed the carapace whenever the ostracod molts. 

Ostracods are important organisms for paleobiologists and geologists, since they are so widespread and so easily maintained as fossilized remains. Different ostracod genera persist in different sediment types and the presence of specific genera in the fossil record allows paleobiologists and geologists a glimpse into what paleoenvironments existed in specific areas. Ostracods are also important links in the marine food web, as so many meiofauna are. Ostrocods feed on algae, though some are detritus-feeders, and are consumed by fish, and provide energy sources for small fish that may be important in trophic dynamics in coastal systems.

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