Fossils — Crinoid

Crinoids, also known as sea lilies or feather stars, are a type of marine animal that belongs to the phylum Echinodermata. They first appeared in the fossil record over 500 million years ago, during the Early Ordovician period, and have survived several mass extinctions.Crinoids are characterized by their long stalks, which attach them to the ocean floor, and their cup-shaped bodies, which filter food from the water. Their stalks are made up of numerous stacked plates called columnals, which are connected by soft tissue. The top of the stalk is adorned with a crown of feathery arms, which are used...