Homeomorphy in Paleozoic bryozoans: a search for explanations

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Abstract
Many apparent homeomorphs have been recognized among genera assigned to the Paleozoic stenolaemate bryozoan orders Trepostomata and Cryptostomata. Morphologies are evaluated to determine whether such homeomorphy should be expected, or is likely to have resulted from incomplete taxonomic analysis. Historical and constructional constraints prevalent in the phylum appear to provide ample opportunity for adaptive convergence, a conclusion supported by the occurrence of similar morphologies in distantly related post-Paleozoic bryozoans.Cryptostomes are distinguished in part by the presence of restricted budding loci. Loci pattern is hypothesized to be the key innovation in the establishment of the clade and the pattern also is considered critical to the evolution of the relatively slender branches and short zooecia typical of cryptostomes.Loci development does not provide a taxonomic panacea. This is because the hypothesis does not preclude convergent evolution of broadly similar restricted loci in Paleozoic non-cryptostome groups, although presumably the cryptostomes in general would have been best equipped to succeed under conditions favoring restricted loci.Environmental conditions for the cryptostomes in general and changing life history strategies for rhabdomesoids in particular provide possible controlling factors for the evolution of these bryozoans.