The Neognathostomata are a superorder of sea urchins.

Neognathostomata
Temporal range: Lower Jurassic–recent
Echinocyamus pusillus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Echinoidea
Infraclass: Irregularia
Superorder: Neognathostomata
Smith, 1981
Orders

Cassiduloida
Clypeasteroida
Echinolampadoida

Description and characteristics edit

They are distinguished from other sea urchins by their irregular shape and a highly modified feeding lantern. The group includes the well known sand dollars, as well as some less familiar and extinct forms.

Taxonomy edit

 
Test of a Clypeaster reticulatus (Clypeasterina).
 
Mellita longifissa ("sand dollar").
 
Fossil of an Echinolampas hemisphaericus (Echinolampadoida).

References edit

  • Barnes, Robert D. (1982). Invertebrate Zoology. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International. p. 981. ISBN 0-03-056747-5.
  • Kroh A, Mooi R (eds.). "Neognathostomata". World Echinoidea Database. World Register of Marine Species.