Sand Dollar Bed (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 535

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

Description

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.