Echinoderms
Echinoderms are marine animals belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, which includes sea stars, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars, and sea urchins. These creatures are characterized by their radial symmetry, spiny skins, and water-vascular systems, which allow them to move and feed in their aquatic habitats. Echinoderms typically have a calcareous endoskeleton that provides structural support and protection from predators. They can be found in various marine environments, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea trenches, and play important ecological roles as scavengers, predators, and prey. Despite their seemingly simple bodies, echinoderms exhibit complex behaviors and biological processes that continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike.