Brachiopoda are marine animals that resemble clams but belong to a different phylum. They have two shells, or valves, that are typically unequal in size and shape. Brachiopods are filter feeders, using a specialized structure called a lophophore to capture food particles from the water. They are primarily found in ocean environments, often attached to the seafloor. These organisms have a long evolutionary history, dating back over 500 million years. While they were once abundant and diverse, their numbers have declined significantly, and today, only about 300 living species exist. Brachiopods are important for studying paleontology and understanding ancient marine ecosystems.