Morphology, structure, and systematics of the conulariids

Balto‐Scandian conulariids from the Ordovician and Silurian periods have been reinvestigated from morphological and taxonomical viewpoints. Altogether thirty‐three species were studied of which eight are new to science. The morphology of the conulariids has been revised and their biology considered. The conclusion is that the conulariids are an independent taxonomical group of phylum rank without known close relatives, as has been suggested earlier. The conulariids are, therefore, concluded to be marine, sessile filtrators which fed on microorganisms or possibly detrital or dissolved organic matter.