Fossilized Soft Tissues in the Shell of the Brachiopod Porostictiabadura (Nalivkin) (Order Rhynchonellida) from the Famennian of Kazakhstan

Paired symmetrical inclusions in the shell of the Famennian brachiopod Porostictia badura (Nalivkin) are revealed by X-ray microtomography. They are interpreted as the mineral-replaced median pedicle muscle. According to their position, it is possible to reconstruct the location of the base of the pedicle, which in this species partially rests on the hinge plates. A new term “Microlagerstätte” is proposed for a local space that has conditions for the preservation of soft tissues of fossil organisms, including due to their replacement with minerals. Brachiopod shells can be such a microlagerstätte.