Echinolampadacea

Common Names

Echinolampadacea does not have a common name, as it is a scientific classification. However, the species within this order are often referred to as "sea urchins" or more specific terms depending on their characteristics, such as "heart urchins" or "sand dollars."

Characteristics

Members of Echinolampadacea share several distinctive characteristics:

• Test (Shell): They have a test, or shell, composed of numerous plates fused together. The test can be round, flattened, or elongated, depending on the species.
• Tube Feet: Like all echinoderms, they have tube feet, which are used for locomotion and feeding.
• Spines: They possess spines that vary greatly in length and shape, depending on the species and its environment.
• Feeding: Members of Echinolampadacea have different feeding habits. Some are herbivores grazing on algae, while others are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter. Some are specialized for burrowing in sand or mud.

Environments

Echinolampadacea are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide, including:

• Intertidal Zones: Some species can be found in the intertidal zone, where they are exposed to air during low tide.
• Subtidal Zones: Most species live in the subtidal zone, where they are permanently submerged.
• Deep Sea: Certain species are found in the deep sea, at depths of several thousand meters.

References

For further information on Echinolampadacea, refer to the following online resources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Wikipedia: Echinoidea