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

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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

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

References

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  • 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.