Ever stumbled upon a sand dollar at the beach or spotted one in a souvenir shop and wondered about its story? Far from the polished white disks many of us are familiar with, living sand dollars are a marvel of nature, boasting vibrant colors and a fascinating lifestyle beneath the sea. What’s a Sand Dollar Anyway? Dead and dried, sand dollars are known for their bleached white appearance, showcasing a smooth exoskeleton adorned with a star or flower pattern. But alive? They’re a whole different spectacle. Sporting shades from reddish-brown to deep purple, these sea creatures are covered in tiny, flexible spines, not hair, which play a crucial role in their survival. With 11 different types of sand dollars, let’s check out what their world is: A Peek into the Sand Dollar’s World Belonging to the Echinoidea class within the Echinodermata phylum, sand dollars are close relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. These ocean floor dwellers feast on microscopic algae and bacteria, contributing significantly to their marine ecosystems. Despite lacking a brain, they possess a nerve ring that oversees bodily functions, showcasing nature’s incredible design. Life as a Sand Dollar With a ten-year lifespan, these creatures prefer company, sometimes living in densities as high as 625 per square yard! Their survival and reproduction strategies are as intriguing as their appearance, relying on the movement of their spines to feed and reproduce through the release of eggs and sperm into the ocean. The Sand Dollar’s Legacy After death, the sand...
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