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What Does a Sea Urchin Use to Protect Itself?

Sea urchins are small, dark colored sea creatures with spiny exteriors. There a variety of sea urchin types, though all are part of the Echinoidea family, which also includes sand dollars. Although they are small and sometimes resemble sea flowers, sea urchins are a danger to anyone swimming in the ocean because of their extravagant ways of defending themselves.

  1. Black Sea Urchin Skin Penetration

    • The black sea urchins have black, spiky spines that can penetrate their victim's skin. Although scientists do not believe that the black sea urchins release venom in this manner, the spines cause skin to become inflamed and painful. When humans are poked with these spines, surgery is often necessary to remove them.

    Sea Urchin Poisoning

    • The flower urchin is able to mask its dangerous identity because its exterior appears to be a group of small flowers. However, these shapes are actually called pincers and are the flower urchin's strongest weapon. When a victim of the flower urchin is jabbed with these pincers, the victim may experience extreme medical symptoms, including paralysis and death.

    The Sea Urchin Spine as a Defense Mechanism

    • Sea urchins do not only protect themselves from other animals while fighting; they also protect themselves from unsuspected attacks. For example, sea urchins are able to detect any slight touch to their body. When they feel a foreign object, or what they think may be a predator, touching their shell, all of their spines come out at once toward the particular spot.

    Sea Urchin Adaptations for Protection

    • Sea urchins have evolved and made adaptions to be able to survive in their current environment. For example, sea urchins are very small and can easily be swayed around by strong waves in the ocean. The sea urchin has adapted to be able to stick to holes or sunken areas within the ocean's walls to prevent being lost at sea. Sea urchins, like other members of the Echinoidea family, are also able to rebuild a spine when it has been mildly injured.

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