Echinoderms Chordate
a red knob sea star, protoreaster linckii example of asterozoan echinoderm.
echinoderms differ chordates , other relatives in 3 conspicuous ways: possess bilateral symmetry larvae - in adulthood have radial symmetry, meaning body pattern shaped wheel; have tube feet; , bodies supported skeletons made of calcite, material not used chordates. hard, calcified shells keep bodies protected environment, , these skeletons enclose bodies, covered thin skins. feet powered unique feature of echinoderms, water vascular system of canals functions lung , surrounded muscles act pumps. crinoids rather flowers, , use feather-like arms filter food particles out of water; live anchored rocks, few can move slowly. other echinoderms mobile , take variety of body shapes, example starfish, sea urchins , sea cucumbers.
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