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(8 total)
Astrodaspis coalingensis
© 2004 UCMP
Clypeaster rosaceus
© 2003 Roger Portell, Florida Museum of Natural History
Periarchus lyelli
© 2005 George E. Phillips, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
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What are Echinoids? Sand dollars, sea urchins, and heart urchins make up the group of echinoderms called echinoids. They have a rigid, round, oval, or heart-shaped skeleton, called a test, that is composed of tightly interlocking plates of calcium carbonate. Living echinoids are covered with spines, although the spines on sand dollars are short, giving the animal almost a furry appearance. Sea urchin spines are usually long and prominent, and in some species may contain toxins for defense. The spines usually fall off soon after death, thus fossil urchins commonly are found without spines attached. First known fossil occurrence: Ordovician. Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives. Cool Echinoids links: Search for images of Echinoids on Google |
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