Echinoderms - Invertebrate Paleontology - Crinoids, Starfish, Sand Dollars, & More

Explore the fascinating world of echinoderms in this comprehensive 28-minute video lecture. Dive deep into the diversity, ecology, anatomy, morphology, and evolution of these unique invertebrates, including starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and crinoids. Learn about echinoderm classification, focusing on blastoids, crinoids, and echinoids, while discovering their surprising similarities to humans. Examine the major types of crinoids and their historical dominance in benthic ecosystems. Investigate echinoid body parts, their preferred environments, and burrowing behaviors. Trace the evolutionary advances of echinoderms through the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras. Engage in crinoid identification practice and gain insights into upcoming content. Conclude with entertaining bloopers for a light-hearted finish to this informative paleontological journey.