Category: Invertebrates
These small, spiny, globular animals inhabit all the oceans of the world and can survive in shallow intertidal zones, 5000 meter deep abyssal zones, and nearly anything in between. They move slowly about on their hydraulic tube feet, feeding mostly on algae. Sea urchins are able to adjust their metabolisms to the level of nutrition available in their environment. Many species of animals, including humans, hunt and eat sea urchins. Their internal organs are protected by a hard shell called a “test”, to which their spines are attached via rounded turbercles. The spines serve as protection and are toxic in some species.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin
Rub some dirt on it!
Could it be we have been too good at ridding our bodies of parasitic worms? Believe it or not, our efforts at keeping squeaky-clean and sanitary in the developed world may be contributing to increased allergies, asthma, psoriasis, even autoimmune diseases. The human immune system, having evolved with parasitic worms, recognizes them, and has learned to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing when these tiny intruders are sensed. While getting worms may be seen as too high a price to pay for many, for people suffering from severe allergies or colitis, it may be worth it. Victims of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease have shown a promising reduction in symptoms (even remission in Crohn’s) after ingesting whipworm eggs - a treatment that may be worth it to some until a cure is found!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
