Each of the seven families of rudists (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Hippuritacea) is characterized by distinctive shell-wall architectures which reflect phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily. Analysis of the complex, calcareous, cellular wall of the attached valve of the radiolite rudist Eoradiolites davidsoni (Hill) from the Comanche Cretaceous of Central Texas indicates that its wall architecture is an elaboration of the simpler monopleurid rudist wall and supports possible radiolite-monopleurid relationships.Several well-preserved specimens of E. davidsoni were sectioned, polished, etched, and carbon and gold coated for SEM examination. Maximum shell microstructure detail was displayed by etching with a 0.7% HC1 solution from 80 to 100 seconds.The shell of E. davidsoni comprises a large, thick-walled, conical, attached valve (AV) and a small, very thin, operculate, free valve (FV) (Fig. 1a). The AV shell is two-layered with a thin inner wall, in which original structures are usually obliterated by recrystallization, and a thick, cellular, outer wall.
Quantifying meso-mammal cave use in central Texas
