title: Regularity in irregular echinoids.
abstract: 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.
authors: Instituto de Física Aplicada, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Serrano, 144, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Torres
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Aragón
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Domínguez
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Gil
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004447:Echinodermata / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005580:Fossils; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008954:Models, Biological