Orthothecida
| Orthothecida Temporal range:
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Class: | †Hyolitha |
| Order: | †Orthothecida Marek, 1966 |
| Families | |
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The orthothecids are one of the two hyolith orders.
Marek diagnoses the order thus: Conchs with a flat or concave ventral surface — opercula with large, flat cardinal processes but without clavicles – tightly sigmoidal, sediment-filled intestine – helens absent.
Sometimes the Circothecidae and Tetrathecidae are split out into a separate order 'Circothecida', which is defined by the bottom surface not being flat, the cardinal processes being pronounced, and a circular rim sometimes showing hints of differentiation into clavicles.