Biology/Green Sea Urchins?
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Question
What makes green sea urchins important in nature? and humans?
Hi Miranda: Thanks for your question.
Sea urchins are related to starfish (Echinodermata) and are important as feeders and as prey. They feed on algae, mussels, sponges, and are eaten by sea otters as well as wolf eels.
They are eaten in many cultures along the Pacific rim, including Japan and South America. They are also eaten in many Mediterranean cultures.
Here are links to more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin
http://www.indyzoo.com/pdf/GreenSeaUrchin.pdf
Hope this helps!
FM Rollwagen, PhD
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Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
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