The role of heterochronic phenomena in molluscan evolution is insufficiently understood but potentially
significant. The aim of this paper is to explore some paedomorphic trends in the evolution of the
Myophorellidae (Bivalvia: Trigoniida). Early ontogeny of general shell shape and ornamentation of one
species of Steinmanella was analyzed and compared to data obtained for three species of Myophorella:
two belonging to the subgenus M. (Promyophorella) (one from the Jurassic and one from the Cretaceous)
and one belonging to the Jurassic M. (Myophorella). For general shell shape, a geometric morphometric
analysis was performed on lateral views of the shells. Regarding ornamentation, flank costal disposition
on the marginal carina, tubercle separation and relative development of the sub-commarginal subset of
flank costae were quantified. A qualitative analysis was also performed. A two-trend shell shape
development is considered as primitive. The first trend is marked by a relative reduction of the posterior
margin together with a relative elongation of the shell. A tangential opisthogyrate growth component
characterizes the second trend. There is a transitional stage where both trends interact. Early flank
ornamentation is characterized by two or three sub-commarginal costae, continuous through the area,
after which oblique costae with fine tubercles start to form. The subgenus M. (Myophorella) evolved by
paedomorphic retention of juvenile shell shape and ornamentation, resulting in a large shell with coarse
tubercles. Shell morphology in Steinmanella evolved by paedomorphic suppression of the primitive
second trend in the development of the shell, resulting in an orthogyrate shell shape, and the retention of
juvenile ornamentation (coarse tubercles, more sub-commarginal costae, juvenile rates of costal
disposition). The paedomorphic (most likely by deceleration) retention of juvenile shell morphology
within the Myophorellidae seems to have been recurrent within the group, resulting in many cases of
convergence, and obscuring the phylogenetic relationships among its species