Echinozoa

/ˌɛkɪnəˈzoʊə/ noun

Definition

A subphylum of marine animals with spiny skin, including starfish, sea urchins, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and crinoids.

Etymology

From Greek 'echinos' (spiny) + 'zoon' (animal), literally 'spiny animals,' named for the characteristic spines that cover their bodies.

Kelly Says

Despite having no brain, no heart, and no blood, echinozoans have an incredible ability to regenerate lost limbs and even reverse their stomachs—some sea stars can literally turn themselves inside-out to digest food outside their bodies!

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