Sand Dollar Evolution or Creation?
by Owen Borville
July 17, 2019
Biology
The sand dollar is a type of flat, rounded sea urchin classified with the echnoids (sea urchin, starfish, sea cucumber, and sea lily) that has a radial pattern that resembles a coin. A sand dollar exoskeleton is composed of calcium carbonate plates while living sand dollars feature a velvet-like surface covered with spines which are covered with very small hairs known as cilia. These spines are what enable the sand dollar to eat. The radial pores found on the sand dollar allow movement for this creature, as sea water is moved into the pores and through its water-vascular system. Sometimes when the waters are calm or still, the sand dollar stands on one end with part of its body buried in the sand. When more turbulent waters come, the sand dollar lays flat and can burrow under the sand, however. The mouth of the sand dollar is located on the bottom surface while its anus is located at the back. The sand dollar lives on the seafloor and is commonly transported to the beach where it dies and its surface material is removed. The white color is the result of its surface material being removed and sunlight bleaching the surface. However, live sand dollars have a purple color. Sand dollars have a unique star-shaped design on their back and showcase the creative design of an Intelligent Designer.
by Owen Borville
July 17, 2019
Biology
The sand dollar is a type of flat, rounded sea urchin classified with the echnoids (sea urchin, starfish, sea cucumber, and sea lily) that has a radial pattern that resembles a coin. A sand dollar exoskeleton is composed of calcium carbonate plates while living sand dollars feature a velvet-like surface covered with spines which are covered with very small hairs known as cilia. These spines are what enable the sand dollar to eat. The radial pores found on the sand dollar allow movement for this creature, as sea water is moved into the pores and through its water-vascular system. Sometimes when the waters are calm or still, the sand dollar stands on one end with part of its body buried in the sand. When more turbulent waters come, the sand dollar lays flat and can burrow under the sand, however. The mouth of the sand dollar is located on the bottom surface while its anus is located at the back. The sand dollar lives on the seafloor and is commonly transported to the beach where it dies and its surface material is removed. The white color is the result of its surface material being removed and sunlight bleaching the surface. However, live sand dollars have a purple color. Sand dollars have a unique star-shaped design on their back and showcase the creative design of an Intelligent Designer.
