Purple Sea Urchin — printable fact sheet
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Animal Fact Sheet
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Purple Sea Urchin
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
The Purple Sea Urchin is a spiny marine invertebrate native to the Pacific Ocean, recognized by its vibrant violet to deep purple coloration. It inhabits rocky shorelines and kelp forests from Alaska to Baja California, where it plays a critical ecological role in shaping kelp f…
Did you know?
- Despite their small size, Purple Sea Urchins can have a massive impact on their ecosystem, sometimes transforming lush kelp forests into barren seascapes.
- Purple Sea Urchins can live for decades, with some individuals reaching over 70 years in age. Their spines not only offer protection but are also used for locomotion and sensing the environment. These urchins have remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regrowing lost spines and even portions of their test (shell).
What I learned
Draw the purple sea urchin
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