On the solenid growth habit of Paleofavosites

Abstract

Serial sections of Paleofavosites specimen presents proof to the contention that Desmidopora = Multisolenia is only a growth habit of Paleofavosites. The socalled solenia are funnel-shaped parts of the paleofavosited wall around quite ordinary corner pores. The former are arranged in dumb-bell pairs among any tour adjoining corallites. Such dumb-bells are arranged crosslike, when seen in the direction of growth of the corallites. This growth habit is found in the type species of Paleofavosites as well as in other undisputed members of that genus. The present authors accordingly consider Priscosolenia as a junior synonym of Paleofavosites. Desmidopora (= Multisolenia + Mesosolenia) could serve as a subgeneric heading for paleofavositids with this peculiar growth habit.