Abstract
The echinoderms are marine animals commonly found from the littoral zone to the ocean deeps. There are about 5000 living species and an abundant fossil record. The adult animals are radially symmetrical, usually pentamerous, but the free-swimming larvae are bilaterally symmetrical. They are particularly interesting since they appear to be more closely related to the chordates than are the rest of the invertebrates.
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Suggestions for futher reading
Clark, A. M., Starfishes and their relations, (British Museum of Natural History, 1968 ).
Nichols, D., Echinoderms, (Hutchinson, 1969 ).
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© 1979 C. M. Jenking and A. Boyce
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Jenking, C.M., Boyce, A. (1979). Phylum Echinodermata. In: The diversity of life. Foundations of Biology. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03987-6_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03987-6_12
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-24193-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-03987-6
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