fossils 4.1

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the phylum Echinodermata discussed in the lecture.

Echinodermata

A phylum of marine animals known for their radial symmetry and water-vascular system.

Echinoidea

A class of Echinoderms that includes sea urchins, sand dollars, and heart urchins.

Asteroidea

A class of Echinoderms that includes starfish or sea stars, characterized by distinct arms.

Ophiuroidea

A class of Echinoderms that includes brittle stars and basket stars, known for their flexibility.

Crinoidea

A class of Echinoderms such as sea lilies and feather stars, which are filter feeders.

Holothuroidea

A class of Echinoderms composed of sea cucumbers, characterized by a leathery body and tube feet.

Calcite skeleton

A skeletal structure made primarily of calcium carbonate, commonly found in Echinoderms.

Pentameral symmetry

A form of radial symmetry seen in Echinoderms, typically divided into five sections.

Water-vascular system

A hydraulic system in Echinoderms that uses fluid-filled tubes for locomotion and feeding.

Madreporite

A sieve-like structure in Echinoderms through which water enters the water-vascular system.

Suspension feeder

An organism that feeds by filtering suspended matter and food particles from water.

Detritivore

An organism that feeds on dead organic material, especially plant detritus.

Fossil record

The collection of all known fossils and their placement within the geological time scale.

Ossicle

Small bone or plate-like structures that make up the skeleton of Echinoderms.

Mesozoic Era

A geological era where Echinoderms became more prominent in the fossil record.

Palaeozoic Era

An earlier geological era characterized by the first appearances of many Echinoderm classes.

Bilateral symmetry

A body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images.

Infaunal

Describing organisms that live buried in sediment.

Epifaunal

Describing organisms that live on the surface of the seabed.

Fascioles

Bands of small spines in certain heart urchins that help prevent sediment clogging.

Stomach anatomy

Refers to the structure and function of the digestive organs in Echinoderms.