The phylum Echinodermata consists of five main classes: Asteroidea (sea stars), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), Echinoidea (sea urchins and sand dollars), Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) and Crinoidea (feather stars). The word chinoderm is derived from the Greek origin meaning “spiny skin,” in reference to the plate-like calcareous endoskeleton of these animals. Penta-radial symmetry is an eminent characteristic in echinoderms. The water-vascular system aids in many life functions of the Echinoderms. Echinodermata is a very diverse phylum of marine species.
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