The ocean is full of amazing animals, and echinoderms are one of them. These sea creatures look different from fish or crabs, but they play a big role in the ocean’s life. In this article, we will learn what echinoderms are, their types, and their names in English. The information is written in easy wording so English learners can understand quickly.
What are Echinoderms?
Echinoderms are marine animals that live only in the sea. They have a hard skeleton inside their body and usually show five-part body symmetry. Their skin often looks spiny or rough, and they move with the help of a water vascular system (tiny tubes filled with water).
The word “echinoderm” comes from Greek words meaning “spiny skin.”
Main Features of Echinoderms
- Live only in sea water (not on land or fresh water)
- Radial body shape (mostly five parts around the center)
- Tube feet for movement and catching food
- Spiny skin or rough outer covering
- Internal skeleton made of calcium plates
Types of Echinoderms and Their Names in English
Echinoderms are divided into five main groups. Below is a simple table with their types and examples:
| Type of Echinoderm | Common Names in English |
|---|---|
| Asteroidea | Sea Stars (Starfish) |
| Ophiuroidea | Brittle Stars, Basket Stars |
| Echinoidea | Sea Urchins, Sand Dollars |
| Holothuroidea | Sea Cucumbers |
| Crinoidea | Feather Stars, Sea Lilies |
Importance of Echinoderms
- Clean the ocean floor by eating dead material.
- Part of food chain for fish and humans.
- Used in science for research and medicine.
- Help balance the sea ecosystem.
List of Echinoderms Names in English
Echinoderms are divided into five main groups. Below are the common names of echinoderms with short information about each.
1. Sea Stars (Starfish)
- Common name for echinoderms in group Asteroidea.
- Have 5 arms, sometimes more.
- Can regrow arms if cut off.
- Move with tube feet.
- Example names: Common Starfish, Cushion Star, Sun Star.
2. Brittle Stars
- Belong to group Ophiuroidea.
- Look like starfish but have thin, flexible arms.
- Move faster than sea stars.
- Example names: Serpent Star, Brittle Star.
3. Basket Stars
- A type of brittle star.
- Have branching arms that look like a basket.
- Mostly found in deep sea.
4. Sea Urchins
- Belong to group Echinoidea.
- Round shape with spines.
- Eat algae from rocks.
- Example names: Purple Sea Urchin, Green Sea Urchin.
5. Sand Dollars
- Flat and round echinoderms.
- Look like a coin.
- Live buried in sand.
6. Heart Urchins
- Type of sea urchin.
- Body looks like a heart.
- Live under sandy seabeds.
7. Sea Cucumbers
- Belong to group Holothuroidea.
- Body is soft, long, and tube-shaped.
- Breathe through anus openings.
- Example names: Black Sea Cucumber, Sea Pig.
8. Sea Pigs
- A special type of sea cucumber.
- Found in deep ocean.
- Small, with short legs.
9. Feather Stars
- Belong to group Crinoidea.
- Have feathery arms for swimming.
- Can attach to rocks or float in water.
10. Sea Lilies
- Related to feather stars.
- Stay attached to the ocean floor with a stalk.
- Look like flowers under the sea.
Echinoderm Names and Groups
| Group | Names in English | Special Info |
|---|---|---|
| Asteroidea | Sea Stars, Cushion Star, Sun Star | 5 arms, regeneration |
| Ophiuroidea | Brittle Stars, Basket Stars | Thin, flexible arms |
| Echinoidea | Sea Urchins, Sand Dollars, Heart Urchins | Spiny, round, coin-like |
| Holothuroidea | Sea Cucumbers, Sea Pigs | Soft-bodied, tube-shaped |
| Crinoidea | Feather Stars, Sea Lilies | Feathery arms, stalked form |
FAQs
What are echinoderms in simple words?
Echinoderms are sea animals with spiny skin like starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.
How many types of echinoderms are there?
There are five main types: sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and crinoids.
Do echinoderms live on land?
No, they live only in the ocean.
Why are echinoderms important?
They keep the ocean floor clean and are food for other sea animals.
Is a starfish an echinoderm?
Yes, a starfish (sea star) is a common type of echinoderm.
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