Bryozoan Fossils
Bryozoans, or moss animals, are colonial invertebrates. They look similar to corals, but are not the same. A bryoza colony contains hundreds of individual polyps called zooids. Each zooid is less than a millimeter across. Some colonys have specialized zooids that perform specific functions. One type of bryozoa has zooids that enable it to slowly move!
Two kinds of Bryozoa are commonly found in limestone: Branching and Encrusting.
Branching
Branching bryozoa is commonly mistaken for coral, as the colony branches kind of like a tree. Branching Bryozoa are shown below.
Encrusting
Encrusting bryozoa grow their colony over other animals. When collecting brachiopods and horn corals, be sure to look at them closely, a number of them have encrusting bryozoa growing on them.
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1. How big is the encrusting bryozoa fossil on the limestone block?
2. How does it feel?
3. Do you see any other fossils in the limestone?
4. Explain the difference from branching and encrusting bryozoa.
5. Post a picture of yourself (face not required) or a personal item at the earthcache.
Source: fossilguy