Whats A Sand Dollar

Whats A Sand Dollar. Have you ever wondered what is a sand dollar? The truth is that the sand dollar, when alive, looks nothing like the popular white disc that most people envision The Sand dollars are species of flattened, burrowing sea urchins belonging to the order Clypeasteroida

The mouth of a sand dollar and other urchins is called Aristotle's lantern because the Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle thought that it resembled a horn lantern, a five-sided lantern made of thin pieces of horn. When threatened, they burrow themselves under the sand for safety

Sand Dollar Anatomy

Have you ever wondered what is a sand dollar? The truth is that the sand dollar, when alive, looks nothing like the popular white disc that most people envision Live sand dollars are purple (or sometimes red or brown) and "hairy" (actually flexible bristles called "spines") and live along the ocean floor. Sand dollars can be found in temperate and tropical zones, but not in Great Britain

. [2] p76All sand dollars have a rigid skeleton known as a test. The flat, white "sea shells" you're likely to find along the shoreline are actually deceased members of the order Clypeasteroida

. Aside from the catchy name "sand dollar", these sea urchins are also known as pansy shells and sea cookies, among others, depending on where you are in the world. Their burrowing lifestyle makes sand dollars excellent soil aerators, contributing significantly to nutrient recycling.