A brachiopod shell (B), encrusted by at least four different microorganisms (light colors patches marked by arrows, plus its dark wrap-around coating, precipitated by bacteria). An ecosystem on a single shell. The shell is the biggest particle visible in poorly sorted sediment that includes very fine quartz sand grains (Q). To the right is part of a mass of thrombolite (T), a kind of microbial reef fabric, itself made by several different kinds of tiny beasts. Image 1 millimeter wide, Mississippian of North Alabama.
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