Originally posted by Jim/Liisa
The wife found this Sand dollar at shell beach Km last year the picture was taken when we got back to our place. Now we always carry the camera!
The sand dollars belong to Clypeasteroida order of Echinodermata family in Kingdom Animalia. The lifespan of a sand dollar ranges between eight to ten
years. Its age can be determined by counting the growth rings on the plates of its exoskeleton. Given below are more of such facts about sand dollars
which will give you an insight of the lives of these tiny animals in marine biome.
Sand Dollar Etymology
Sand dollars (sometimes written as sand-dollars) are also referred to as 'sand cakes' and 'cake urchins' owing to their peculiar shape. The name 'sand
dollar' is attributed to washed up tests - hard outer covering of sea urchins, which are often seen stranded on the beaches. Over the period of time,
these tests turn white as a result of being continuously exposed to sunlight. This gives them an appearance which resembles the American Dollar to a
significant extent, and hence they are known as sand dollars.
Sand Dollar Habitat
Sand dollars are found at the ocean floor - wherein the surface is sandy or muddy and facilitates easy penetration for these burrowing sea urchins.
One of the most interesting Common sand dollar facts is that it is found below the low tide level at the depth of 5,000 ft - wherein sunlight
penetration is minimal. These marine animals use the spines located on their body for burrowing in these sandy or muddy areas. The geographical
distribution of sand dollar species is most often traced to the ocean floors of temperate and tropical zones.
Sand Dollar Appearance
The fact that sand dollars generally tend to inhabit deep oceans means you are less likely to come across a live individual. If at all you do come
across a live sand dollar, you will notice that these colorful creatures have a semi pliable shell - known as the test, covering their tiny bodies.
Usually they are 2 to 4 inches in size and covered with many short spines. Beneath the shell lies the five sets of pores - a typically echinoderm
characteristic, which helps these creatures to move around on the ocean floor.
Sand Dollar Anatomy Facts
As we mentioned above, sand dollars are typically characterized by their fivefold radial symmetry as with various other echinoderms. Its secondary
bilateral symmetry differentiates it from the other species of sea urchins which are defined in marine biology. Even though their mouth is located on
the underside, these creatures do not push their stomach out for feeding like starfish species do, but instead use their tube feet (which are also
located at the underside) to bring food to their mouth. Their mouth has teeth-like sections which are used to grind the food that that they feed on.
Normally, it takes a sand dollar around two days to digest its food.
Whilst going through these facts about sand dollars you must have realized how interesting these marine creatures are. As far as sand dollar facts for
kids are concerned, sand dollar defense mechanism is one attribute which can grab their attention. When threatened by its predators (which includes
sheepsheads, pink sea stars, etc.), the sand dollars tend burrow in sand in quick succession and crop up only when the lurking danger is gone.
By Abhijit Naik
Published: 12/30/2010
that's a cool video...wow.
I'm having a hard time with that photo...is there a close up? scale?
quick research on web doesn't give largest size ever found, nor anything much more than 5-6 inches. anyone know how large they can get?
You guys are all mistaken. It is not a sand dollar, but a "sand Peso", which due to periods of inflation and devaluation has
by necessity achieved the size that you now see.
Hmmmm, I'll echo David. I've been spending time at "Shell Beach" since the early 70's and have seen many a unique sight. Strange fish, unique shells,
dead whales, strange lights, things flying low at night, strange people, stuck people, nudists (that was fun), etc., etc. But I have never seen a sand
dollar not even close to that size! Perhaps 30 million years ago. As someone noted, they are made in China. Good try Jim/Liisa.
For me, it just points out that while there are so many beguiling and wondefull creatures in nature, that in the name of profit, there are just so
many folks who would eliminate the EPA, and just basically turn a deaf ear on nature.
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
For me, it just points out that while there are so many beguiling and wondefull creatures in nature, that in the name of profit, there are just so
many folks who would eliminate the EPA, and just basically turn a deaf ear on nature.
I'm in your camp.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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