This object is part of the Education and Outreach collection, some of which are in the Q?rius science education center and available to see.
Notes:
This specimen is a Purple-spined Sea Urchin, which is a species of urchin found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Like other echinoderms, sea urchins move using rows of small tube feet powered by a fluid-filled (water vascular) system. The fluid travels from central, circular canals out through radial canals like the spokes of a wheel. Along the spokes are the tube feet, which typically end in adhesive pads. Each tube foot is kept firm by internal fluid pressure. By sticking down and unsticking in coordinated waves, the tube feet inch the animal along a surface. This particular specimen was collected by the USS Albatross, the first large vessel built specifically for scientific marine research.