University of Tasmania, Australia

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Zooplankton

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Echinodermata

Klein 1734

Taxonomy

Superphylum Deuterostomia
Phylum Echinodermata

Size

  • Variable due to species and stage of larval development.

Description

  • Greek term for ‘spiny skin’.
  • Approximately 7,000 living species.
  • Includes starfish, brittle stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers and feather stars.

Distribution

  • Worldwide.
  • All depths.

Ecology

  • Meroplankton.
  • Metamorphosis is rapid.