Biotic Setting | Benthic/Attached Biota |
Biotic Class | Faunal Bed |
Biotic Subclass | Soft Sediment Fauna |
Biotic Group | Sand Dollar Bed |
Biotic Community | Clypeaster Bed Mellita Bed Dendaster elongatus Bed |
Definition | Assemblages dominated by surface-dwelling, "irregular" echinoids of the Phylum Echinodermata and Order Clypeasteroida (e.g., sand dollars, sea biscuits). Sand dollars typically move on top of the sediment surface or burrow in the top few centimeters of sediment. Sand dollars are characterized by a flat body and short spines, to visually distinguish them from Burrowing Urchins and Soft Sediment Sea Urchins (see biotic groups below). Most sand dollars are deposit feeders; some are suspension feeders. |