Phylum Echinodermata: Sea Stars

Question 1

Spines

Answer 1

are pointed, often calcareous projections from the skin, providing protection against predato

Question 2

Pedicellaria

Answer 2

are tiny, pincer-like structures on the skin of echinoderms, functioning in cleaning and defense by capturing and removing debris.

Question 3

Water Vascular System

Answer 3

Seawater enters through the madreporite, travels through the stone canal, ring canal, and radial canals, and is regulated by ampullae before reaching the tube feet, which play essential roles in functions like locomotion and feeding.

Question 4

Madreporite

Answer 4

is a small, porous plate on the aboral surface of echinoderms, serving as the entrance for seawater into the water vascular system.

Question 5

Stone Canal

Answer 5

is a tube that connects the madreporite to the ring canal in the water vascular system, facilitating the flow of water.

Question 6

Ampulla

Answer 6

is a bulb-like structure in the water vascular system of echinoderms, involved in regulating the pressure and directing the movement of fluid into the tube feet.

Question 7

Ring Canal

Answer 7

a circular canal in the water vascular system of echinoderms, serving as a central hub for distributing water to various parts of the body.

Question 8

Tube Foot

Answer 8

are small, muscular projections connected to the water vascular system, allowing echinoderms to move, capture prey, and adhere to surfaces.

Question 9

Aristotle’s Lantern

Answer 9

is a complex chewing apparatus found in the mouth of sea urchins, consisting of five calcium carbonate teeth and used for grazing on algae and other food sources.