Edriasteroidea

/ˌɛdriæstərɔɪˈdiːə/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic subclass of extinct marine animals related to starfish and sea cucumbers, known from fossil records.

Etymology

From 'Edrioasteroidea,' combining Greek 'edrio-' (restricted, sessile) and 'asteroid' (star-shaped), plus '-ea' (taxonomic plural). These creatures had a reduced form compared to other echinoderms.

Kelly Says

These bizarre creatures were ancient sea animals from over 450 million years ago that looked kind of like bumpy pancakes on the ocean floor—fossils of them help us understand how modern starfish and sea urchins evolved.

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