Global InformationEucidaris galapagensis information
| Eucidaris galapagensis | |
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| Cidaroid urchin in Galapagos | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Echinoidea |
| Order: | Cidaroida |
| Family: | Cidaridae |
| Genus: | Eucidaris |
| Species: | E. galapagensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Eucidaris galapagensis Döderlein, 1887
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Eucidaris galapagensis, commonly referred to as the slate pencil sea urchin, is a species of echinoderms in the family of Cidaroid.[1] This sea urchin lives in coastal areas in the Galapagos, Clipperton, and Cocos. The preferred substrate of these organisms is rocky, benthic environments that provide refuge.[2] In fact, greater abundance of Slate Pencil Sea Urchins is correlated with correct substrate, as well as greater food availability.[3] Their diet is primarily herbivorous, however, they also consume various invertebrates. They graze heavily on live corals and algae in open, shallow reef habitats.[4] Their grazing schedule is not restricted to sunlight availability, and will graze nocturnally.[4] Their diversity in diet is a result of their metabolism, as they are capable of remarkably efficient assimilation of nutrients.[2] Pencil Slate Sea Urchin's crawl omnidirectionally in their environment.[5] Additionally, they are able to sense surrounding light by photoreceptor cells that act as their visual system.[6]
- ^ "Eucidaris galapagensis" at the Encyclopedia of Life
- ^ a b Altieri, A.H. & Witman, J.D. 2014. Modular mobile foundation species as reservoirs of biodiversity. Ecosphere. 5(10): pp. 1-11
- ^ Lawrence, J.M. & Sonnenholzner, 2004. Distribution and abundance of asteroids, echinoids, and holothuroids in Galapagos. Echinoderms: Munchen: Proceedings of the 11th International Echinoderm. 11: pp. 239-242
- ^ a b Glynn, P.W. Wellington, G.M. and Birkeland, C. 1979. Coral reef growth in the Galapagos: limitation by sea urchins. Science. 203: pp. 47-49.
- ^ Grabowsky, G.L. 1994. SYMMETRY, LOCOMOTION, AND THE EVOLUTION OF AN ANTERIOR END: A LESSON FROM SEA URCHINS. Evolution. 48: pp. 1130-1146.
- ^ Ullrich-Lüter, E.M., Dupont, S., Arboleda, E., Hausen, H., Arnone, M.I. 2011. Unique system of photoreceptors in sea urchin tube feet. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 2011. 108 (20): 8367-8372; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1018495108