Studies on Polyzoa (Bryozoa) from the Endeavour Expedition, 1909–1914. I. A new lunulitiform polyzoan (Ascophora) from south-east Australia
Abstract
A monotypic family is erected in order to accommodate a new lunulitiform ascophoran polyzoan, referred here to Australiana n.gen. Family characteristics comprise the cupuliform zoarium with quadrate zooecia radially arranged in single or double rows. The dimorphic orifice is elongate in ordinary zooecia and transversely elliptical in fertile zooecia. A pair of large fenestrae perforate the outer wall of the ectooecium. The basal surface, strongly concave in mature zooecia, is perforated by large foramina, interpreted as kenozooecia, and bears several radicular chambers. Avicularia are not developed. The species is known as a fossil from the lower Muddy Creek (Middle Miocene) beds of Victoria, and from the Recent Peronian faunal province.
