Regularity in irregular echinoids.
Using the mathematical concept of eutactic star, we prove that it is possible to define a morphospace for irregular echinoids by using a single parameter. In particular, we have found an extraordinary geometric property in the flower-like patterns of the five ambulacral petals of these animals. This property is fulfilled with great accuracy for a large collection of fossil specimens and provides new insights in the study of the viable skeletal designs of extinct and/or living organisms.
Torres
M
M
Instituto de Física Aplicada, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Serrano, 144, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Aragón
J L
JL
Domínguez
P
P
Gil
D
D
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004447:Echinodermata / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005580:Fossils; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008954:Models, Biological