Echinodermata Class: Ophiuroidea

Question 1

What does Ophiuroidea mean?

Answer 1

Snake tail

Question 2

What organisms are in Ophiuroidea?

Answer 2

Brittle stars and basket stars

Question 3

4 differences between Asteroids and Ophiuroids

Answer 3

Ophiuroids: arms sharply marked off central disc, no suction cups on tube feet, no pedicellariae, and madreporite on oral surface

Asteroids: rays aren’t sharply set off central disc, have suction cups on tube feet, pedicellariae, and madreporite on aboral surface

Question 4

Why is the name of brittle star appropriate?

Answer 4

Bc. they have the ability to break off their arms

Question 5

What is autotomy and why is it beneficial?

Answer 5

Autotomy - process where organism contract certain muscles to cast off its arm
Beneficial - helps them escape from predators