Ostracoda

Classification
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Ostracoda (Latreille, 1802)
Cincinnatian Order: Palaeocopida

Geologic Range
Early Cambrian – Recent

Common Paleoecology
Ostracoda is an extant order of epifaunal organisms with a variety of feeding habits.

Characteristics of the Class

Laterally compressed crustacean with two valves.
Generally calcified and hinged along dorsal side.
4 pairs of cephalic appendages and 1-3 pairs of thoracic appendages.
Lack of abdominal appendages.

Published Descriptions

Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, Part Q, Arthropoda 3 (1961):

Laterally compressed Crustacea with bivalve carapace, more or less calcified, and hinged along dorsal margin, enclosing bisegmented body with head undifferentiated, bearing 4 pairs of cephalic appendages, 1 to 3 pairs of thoracic appendages and a pair of furcal rami, but no abdominal appendages.

Palaeocopida