Sea Urchins: Echinoderms, Kelp Forests and Marine Ecosystem Balance


Classification

  • Phylum → Echinodermata

  • Class → Echinoidea.

Characteristics

  • Marine animals.

  • Spiny spherical body.

  • Mostly benthic.

  • Possess a water vascular system.

  • Feed predominantly on algae.

Ecological Role

Sea urchins can:

  • Control algal growth.

  • Maintain ecosystem balance.

But population explosions can overgraze kelp and produce urchin barrens.

Conversely, restoration of sea-urchin populations can also help coral ecosystems where herbivory is insufficient. Their role therefore depends on ecological balance.

Related Animals

Starfish, brittle stars and sea cucumbers also belong to Echinodermata.