The first definitive echinoderms appeared near the start of the Cambrian. Echinoderms are important both ecologically and geologically. Ecologically, there are few other groupings so abundant in the …

Jun 15, 2026 · Echinoderm, any of a variety of invertebrate marine animals belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, characterized by a hard, spiny covering or skin. Living species include sea lilies, sea …

Jun 12, 2026 · Echinoderms are spiny-skinned invertebrates of the phylum Echinodermata, specifically recognized by the pentamerous body (five-pointed) symmetry in adults. 1 The phylum derives its …

Together, these animals make up the Echinodermata, a word with Greek origins meaning “hedgehog skin.” Echinoderms live in every ocean, even off the coast of Antarctica. Well known as coastal …

While you may have heard of some of these echinoderms, here is a list of specific species, including some that may be new to you! Check out the photos and details on their unique features for survival.

Oct 7, 2025 · Echinoderms are some of the ocean’s most extraordinary creatures — from sea stars and urchins to sea cucumbers. Discover how these spiny-skinned animals move without blood, breathe in …

Feb 6, 2024 · Echinoderms are a group of animals that include starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, sea lilies and feather stars. On this page is a complete guide to echinoderms, with …

Dec 25, 2025 · Echinoderms are a diverse group of invertebrate marine animals that include starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers, and crinoids. The phylum contains about 7,000 living …

Sea urchins or urchins (/ ˈɜːrtʃɪnz /) are the class Echinoidea within the echinoderms. Approximately 950 species live on the seabed, inhabiting all oceans and depths from the intertidal zone to the deep sea. [1]

Apr 3, 2024 · But while there are several threats facing echinoderms, some species have been around for more than 500 million years. If you’ve never heard of echinoderms before, we’ve got you covered.