Aborescent Devonian Cystoporate Bryozoan Fossil

This is a fine example of an Devonian Moroccan cystoporate bryozoan. Also termed (moss animals”, the Bryozoans are colonial animals who make a living as filter feeders. This one has an arborescent (tree-like) structure which allowed for efficient filtration of particulates from the water column. The Devonian represents a transitional period wherein the fenestrates and others supplanted the trepostomatid bryozoans, an event characterized by several mass extinctions. The cystoporate bryozoans had multiple tubes that served as embedment structures somewhat reminiscent of corals. This is a well-preserved example which required only minimal cleanup post discovery. I include one photo of it in its unprepared state.