dactylopores

Dactylopores are microscopic, hollow tubes found in the skeletons of certain extinct marine organisms, primarily belonging to the class Graptolithina. These organisms, known as graptolites, were colonial animals that lived during the Paleozoic Era. The dactylopores served as housing for individual zooids, which were the small, sexually reproducing members of the colony. Each dactylopore is typically an elongated, cylindrical or slightly flattened structure that opens to the exterior.

The arrangement and form of dactylopores are important features used in the classification and identification of different graptolite species. Their presence and morphology provide valuable clues about the lifestyle and evolutionary history of these ancient creatures. Graptolites, with their dactylopores and other skeletal elements, are common fossils found in sedimentary rocks and are significant index fossils for dating Paleozoic strata. Studying dactylopores helps paleontologists understand the complex colonial structures and feeding strategies of these now-extinct marine invertebrates.