Echinoderm Structures and Their Functions

Bilaterally symmetrical, free-swimming echinoderm larva

• Bipinnaria

• Asteroidea

• Ophiuroidea

• Holothuroidea

Regeneration in echinoderms

• The ability of echinoderms to regrow lost arms or body parts, a common feature in starfish and brittle stars.

• The process by which echinoderms reproduce asexually through fragmentation.

• The ability of echinoderms to change color for camouflage.

• The method by which echinoderms absorb nutrients from their environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Papulae

• Skin gills used for gas exchange and waste excretion

• Small bumps on the skin caused by irritation

• Hair follicles that produce skin oils

• Cells responsible for skin pigmentation

Pincer-like appendages used for protecting and cleaning the surface of the body

• Pedicellariae

• Mandibles

• Claspers

• Chelae

The hard skeleton of echinoderms can be used to provide this nutrient to help stabilize the pH of soil

• Calcium carbonate

• Sodium chloride

• Potassium nitrate

• Magnesium sulfate

Madreporite

• A structure that filters food particles in fish

• A sievelike structure on the surface of echinoderms that acts as an entry point for seawater into the water vascular system.

• A type of respiratory organ in amphibians

• A protective outer layer of mollusks

Echinoderms which become sessile and stalked during metamorphosis but after several months can detach and become free-moving

• Asteroidea

• Ophiuroidea

• Crinoids

• Holothuroidea

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Water vascular system

• Unique body system made up of all the structures

• A system for transporting nutrients in plants

• A network of blood vessels in mammals

• A method of locomotion in insects

Echinoderm

• A group of marine animals that includes starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, characterized by their radial symmetry and a water vascular system.

• A type of freshwater fish known for its vibrant colors and patterns.

• A terrestrial mammal that primarily feeds on insects and has a long snout.

• A class of reptiles that includes turtles and tortoises, known for their hard shells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Function of tube feet in echinoderms

• Used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration

• Primarily for reproduction

• Mainly for excretion

• Exclusively for defense