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Echinocardium cordatum
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Echinocardium cordatum

echinoderm
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Quick Summary

Echinocardium cordatum is a type of heart urchin, which belongs to the phylum Echinodermata. These marine invertebrates typically have a fragile, oval or heart-shaped body covered in fine spines. They possess four porous spaces called petaloids.

Heart urchins live in burrows and use long tentacles, which are modified tube feet, to gather food particles from the surrounding sand. Other tube feet are used for respiration and sensory functions, while spines aid in movement. The common heart urchin (Echinocardium cordatum) is found in all oceans. Echinoderms, in general, are known for their spiny skin and a five-part radial symmetry.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. heart urchin
  2. echinoderm - Size range and diversity of structure

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