Five Classes of Echinoderms Flashcards

Study Notes

Crinoidea:
- Includes feather stars and sea lilies.
- Can move using their arms while being attached to the seabed.
- Filter feeders utilizing tube feet for food capture.
Asteroidea:
- Commonly known as sea stars.
- Utilize a water vascular system to move tube feet for mobility.
- Unique feeding method involves pushing their stomachs into the shells of clams.
Ophiuroidea:
- Comprises brittle stars and basket stars.
- Characterized by rapid movement using their arms.
- Tube feet are present but lack suckers, unlike other echinoderms.
Echinoidea:
- Encompasses sea urchins and sand dollars.
- Covered with small projections aiding in movement.
- Sand dollars are known for burrowing and feeding on organic waste, while sea urchins possess spines and primarily consume algae.
Holothuroidea:
- Consists of sea cucumbers which exhibit bilateral symmetry.
- Use tentacles to capture food that is directed to the mouth.
- Notable for their ability to regenerate their stomach and primarily feed on sediment.