How are Sand Dollars Made?
Sand dollars are echinoderms, a group of marine invertebrates that also includes starfish and sea urchins. They are flat, disk-shaped creatures with a diameter of about 2 inches (5 centimeters). Sand dollars have a hard, spiny exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate. The exoskeleton is covered with tiny holes that allow water to flow through the body.
Sand dollars reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae that live in the water for several weeks. When the larvae are ready to settle down, they attach themselves to a hard surface, such as a rock or a reef. The larvae then begin to grow and develop into adult sand dollars.
Sand dollars are filter feeders. They use their tube feet to filter plankton out of the water. Plankton are small organisms that drift in the water. Sand dollars play an important role in the marine ecosystem by recycling nutrients.
Sand dollars are found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean. They are most common in shallow, sandy areas. Sand dollars are popular with beachcombers because of their unique shape and beautiful design.
Related Questions
- How do sand dollars move? Sand dollars move by using their tube feet to push themselves along the ocean floor.
- What do sand dollars eat? Sand dollars eat plankton, which are small organisms that drift in the water.
- Where are sand dollars found? Sand dollars are found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean. They are most common in shallow, sandy areas.
- What is the role of sand dollars in the marine ecosystem? Sand dollars play an important role in the marine ecosystem by recycling nutrients.
- Why are sand dollars popular with beachcombers? Sand dollars are popular with beachcombers because of their unique shape and beautiful design.
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