Tricuspidata

Tricuspidata is a genus of fossil bivalve mollusks belonging to the order Trigonida. These marine invertebrates lived during the Triassic period, with fossil evidence found in various locations worldwide. Tricuspidata are characterized by their triangular shells, which are typically equivalve and inequilateral. The shell surface often displays concentric growth lines and sometimes radial ribs, though ornamentation can vary between species. The hinge line is robust, featuring a complex arrangement of teeth adapted for strong closure. As with other trigoniid bivalves, Tricuspidata possessed a distinctive internal ligamentary structure. Their ecological niche likely involved burrowing in soft sediments on the seafloor. The taxonomic classification of Tricuspidata places it within the family Trigoniidae, a group known for its extensive fossil record and evolutionary significance. Fossil discoveries of Tricuspidata provide valuable insights into the marine ecosystems and paleobiogeography of the Triassic.