Isodesmus

Isodesmus is a genus of extinct terrestrial gastropod mollusks. These snails lived during the Carboniferous period. Their fossils are found in various parts of the world, indicating a widespread distribution during that time.

The most distinctive feature of Isodesmus is its shell morphology. Unlike many modern terrestrial snails which have coiled shells, Isodesmus is characterized by a flattened, discoidal shell. This shell was typically broad and relatively thin. The shell was often ornamented with concentric growth lines and sometimes radial ribs, though the degree of ornamentation varied between species.

Fossil evidence suggests that Isodesmus inhabited damp environments, likely found in the leaf litter or soil of ancient forests. The exact diet of Isodesmus is not definitively known, but it is presumed to have been herbivorous or detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter or algae.

The classification of Isodesmus has been subject to revision as new fossil discoveries and analytical techniques have emerged. Historically, it has been placed within various gastropod orders, reflecting the challenges of classifying extinct and morphologically unusual forms. Its ecological role in Carboniferous ecosystems is a subject of ongoing scientific interest.