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Questions and Answers
What does 'Echinodermata' mean?
What does 'Echinodermata' mean?
spiny skinned
How many classes are within the Phylum Echinodermata?
How many classes are within the Phylum Echinodermata?
five classes
Name the classes of Phylum Echinodermata.
Name the classes of Phylum Echinodermata.
Class Asteroidea, Class Ophiuroidea, Class Echinoidea, Class Holothuroidea, Class Crinoidea
What is a characteristic of all echinoderms?
What is a characteristic of all echinoderms?
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Which of the following is not a characteristic of echinoderms?
Which of the following is not a characteristic of echinoderms?
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What are photophores?
What are photophores?
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What is the ecological range of echinoderms?
What is the ecological range of echinoderms?
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What are the feeding habits of some echinoderms?
What are the feeding habits of some echinoderms?
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Can echinoderms regenerate missing limbs?
Can echinoderms regenerate missing limbs?
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Why are echinoderms considered advanced organisms?
Why are echinoderms considered advanced organisms?
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Match protostomes and deuterostomes with their developmental characteristics:
Match protostomes and deuterostomes with their developmental characteristics:
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What defines Class Asteroidea?
What defines Class Asteroidea?
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What are ossicles?
What are ossicles?
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Are massive blooms of sea stars beneficial?
Are massive blooms of sea stars beneficial?
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Sea stars are voracious predators of bivalves.
Sea stars are voracious predators of bivalves.
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How do sea stars eat?
How do sea stars eat?
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Where does the starfish often live?
Where does the starfish often live?
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What defines the majority of sea stars' behavior?
What defines the majority of sea stars' behavior?
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Where is the most diverse coral reef located?
Where is the most diverse coral reef located?
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Study Notes
Echinoderms Overview
- "Echinodermata" translates to "spiny skinned."
- Phylum Echinodermata consists of five classes.
Classes of Echinodermata
- Class Asteroidea: Sea stars or starfish.
- Class Ophiuroidea: Includes brittle stars, basket stars, and serpent stars.
- Class Echinoidea: Comprises sea urchins, heart urchins, and sand dollars.
- Class Holothuroidea: Known as holothurians or sea cucumbers.
- Class Crinoidea: Includes sea lilies and feather stars.
General Characteristics
- Echinoderms exhibit radial symmetry and body structure divided into five segments.
- Lack a heart, brain, or eyes; some brittle stars possess light-sensitive parts.
- Mouth is located on the underside, anus on top (exceptions exist).
- Absence of cephalization and the potential presence of photophores.
- Capable of regeneration if a central disk remains intact.
- Exclusively found in benthic zones.
Tube Feet and Locomotion
- Tube feet are tentacle-like structures with suction pads.
- Operate hydraulically via a water vascular system, creating suction.
Ecology and Habitat
- Echinoderms are strictly marine and inhabit various environments, including intertidal zones and deep-sea trenches.
- Found in diverse habitats, such as coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and rocky substrates.
Behavior and Feeding
- Feeding methods vary: carnivorous (sea stars), detritus foragers (sea cucumbers), and planktonic feeders (basket stars).
- Reproduction typically involves the release of sperm and eggs into the water, with most species producing planktonic larvae.
Regeneration
- Capable of regenerating limbs, arms, spines, and intestines, with some species able to reproduce asexually through fission.
Deuterostomes
- Echinoderms are considered advanced organisms as they are classified as deuterostomes, where the first indentation becomes the anus.
Class Asteroidea Characteristics
- Exhibit radial symmetry with arms radiating from a central body, usually 5 or multiples of 5.
- Mouth and anus are positioned closely, with a madreporite for water intake.
- Upper surface is often colorful, while the underside is typically lighter.
- Possess minute pincer-like structures called pedicellaria to keep arms free from algae.
- Have a hydrostatic skeleton supported by madreporite.
Feeding and Predation
- Sea stars are voracious predators of bivalves, gripping and prying them open using tube feet.
- Their feeding process involves evisceration where the stomach is pushed outside to digest prey with enzymes.
- Ecology includes habitats like coral reefs and rocky environments.
Regeneration in Sea Stars
- Ability to regenerate limbs and body parts, with some species reproducing asexually through autotomy and fission.
Biodiversity
- The most diverse coral reefs are located in Indonesia.
Environmental Implications
- Massive blooms of sea stars are detrimental, indicating ecosystem imbalances.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Echinoderms with this flashcard quiz. Learn key definitions, classifications, and features within the Phylum Echinodermata. Perfect for beginners and biology enthusiasts alike!
