As students we have been told again and again that fossils are the key to the mysteries of the past. They help us understand the history of this chaotic and unpredictable Earth. We hope that by studying the fossil record, in our limited capacity, we can learn more about the various species of Brachiopods that evolved in this area millions of years ago.

     We have compared and contrasted Brachiopod fossils of the formations in Liberty and Brookville, Indiana. We have also examined Brachiopods, Crinoids, Bryozoans, and Horn Coral within the

distinct layers of the Brookville site. The  brachiopod fossils were identified by genus within different layers of the Brookville

formation. We then identified many of the fossils and with the help of the class developed an identification key.  By examining the length,  the width, the ridges, the hinges (whether they are articulated or unarticulated), the beak, the valves (shells), and general shape of the brachiopods, we were able to define the distinguishing characteristics of each