Sponges

Late Pennsylvanian, Kansas

Top image--A sponge called scientifically, Heliospongia; demonstrates its distinctive bulbous "mushroom" aspect of morphology. Bottom photograph--A classic genus Chaetetes sponge "biscuit" still embedded in its limestone matrix. Both from the upper Pennsylvanian Deer Creek Limestone. Shawnee Group, Virgilian Stage--303 to 301 million years old.

Top--Sponges called scientifically, genus Amblysiphonella; from the upper Pennsylvanian Frisbie Limestone, Kansas City Group of the Missourian Stage--306.5 to 305.5 million years old. Bottom photograph: Sponges called scientifically, genus Girtyocoelia from the upper Pennsylvanian Hickory Creek Shale, Lansing Group of the Missourian Stage--305.5 to 305 million years old. All the specimens in the two images were collected and photographed by an individual who goes by the cybername of "Missourian."

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