Sea UrchinsFamily: echinoderm. Found in tidal pools and on rocks or sand in shallow waters, sea urchins are covered with long spines that they use for movement and defense. The shell of a sea urchin is called a test. It is made up of plates that surround the urchin's soft parts. It is usually split into five main areas. Bits of seaweed that stick into the spines help provide camouflage from would be predators. Like the starfish, the Sea Urchin's mouth is on its underside in the center. The jaw portion is sometimes referred to as Aristotle's lantern becuase it resembles a type of old oil lamp. Interesting Facts: Sea Urchins are a source of food for many inhabitants of the sea. The shell of the urchin (after the animal and spines have been removed) displays a beautiful symmetrical design. There are over 800 types of sea urchin found today.
Wood Turning Information:
Our Sea Urchins have recently been very popular with people using them in Wood Turning Projects. We would like to let you know that people have found our Green, Purple and Sputnik Sea Urchins as the most ideal Shell for Wood Turning. |