Fascinating Features and Diversity of Echinoderms
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Presentation Transcript
Share common features with chordates • Radial Cleavage • Deuterostomes (Blastopore becomes anus) • Development of true coeloem • Usually slow moving or sessile • Usually are radially symmetrical • Body parts usually radiate from center (frequently as 5 spokes) • Possess a thick calcium plate endoskeleton surrounded by a thin skin layer • Possess a unique Water Vascular System, which continues throughout animal and extends into extensions called Tube Feet. • Functions for locomotion, feeding, & gas exchange. • Reproduce sexually or through regeneration. Phylum Echindermata
Class Asteroidea • Include sea stars • Usually have 5 (or multiple of 5) arms radiating from central disk • Tube feet located underneath each arm used for locomotion & grasping prey. Operate by hydraulic principles.
Feeding • Feed on mollusks by pulling shells apart and extending stomach outside the mouth into the bivalve. The bivalve is digested within it's shell. The sea star than re-ingests its stomach
Reproduction • Can reproduce sexually by releasing sperm and egg. • Can reproduce by regeneration
Class Ophiuroidea • Include Brittle Stars • Distinct central disks with long tube-like arms • Lack suckers • Move by serpentine motion of their arms
Class Echinoidea • Include Sea urchins & sand dollars • Lack arms, but possess tube feet • Many species of urchins possess poisonous spines used for defense
Echinoideans Sand Dollar Sea Urchin
Class Holothuroidea • Include Sea cucumbers • Are elongated along oral-anal axis • Lack spines and have reduced endoskeleton. • Do possess tube feet and water vascular system
Class Crinoidia • Ancient class of animals • Include sea lilies • Filter feeders with arms radiating from mouth • Most are sessile, but some can move