Classification- Kingdom Animalia
Diversity- It has approximately 7000 described living species and about 13,00 extinct species known from the fossil record. This phylum is the largest without any freshwater or terrestrial forms
Life History- They are deuterostomes. The larvae, which are plankotrophic or lecithotrophic, have 3-part paired coeloms. Adult pheromones may attract larvae, which tend to settle near consepecific adults. Metamorphosis in some species is triggered by adult pheromones.
Ecological Roles- Echinoderms are actually a key part of their ecosystems. Many asteroids are keystone species. Specifically sea urchins, if not controlled by predators, may overgraze their habitat. Asteroids have several commensals, including polychaetes that feed on leftovers from the sea star's prey items.Echinoderms are really important for maintaining the community's diversity. A relative of the starfish, the sea urchin, is an important part of kelp communities where the sea otters live. The echinoderm is an important contributor to the community and if it were to not exist any longer, a lot of animals would have trouble surviving.
Human Impacts- Echinoderms have actually contributed to the overall knowledge of animal fertilization and development of humans. Many echinoderms are easy to culture and maintain in a lab setting, and produce a large amount of eggs. Sea urchin eggs are also edible and often served in sushi bars.
Diversity- It has approximately 7000 described living species and about 13,00 extinct species known from the fossil record. This phylum is the largest without any freshwater or terrestrial forms
Life History- They are deuterostomes. The larvae, which are plankotrophic or lecithotrophic, have 3-part paired coeloms. Adult pheromones may attract larvae, which tend to settle near consepecific adults. Metamorphosis in some species is triggered by adult pheromones.
Ecological Roles- Echinoderms are actually a key part of their ecosystems. Many asteroids are keystone species. Specifically sea urchins, if not controlled by predators, may overgraze their habitat. Asteroids have several commensals, including polychaetes that feed on leftovers from the sea star's prey items.Echinoderms are really important for maintaining the community's diversity. A relative of the starfish, the sea urchin, is an important part of kelp communities where the sea otters live. The echinoderm is an important contributor to the community and if it were to not exist any longer, a lot of animals would have trouble surviving.
Human Impacts- Echinoderms have actually contributed to the overall knowledge of animal fertilization and development of humans. Many echinoderms are easy to culture and maintain in a lab setting, and produce a large amount of eggs. Sea urchin eggs are also edible and often served in sushi bars.