Sea urchins wash ashore

At this time of year, stormy weather creates rough seas that can throw things ashore, including sea urchins. When alive, these creatures are covered in spines but these drop off when the animals die, leaving raised bumps on a delicate skeleton called a “test”. The round, shell-like structures are made mainly of calcium (the same mineral in teeth and bones). There are three common species in the UK. The edible (common) sea urchin is up to 15cm wide and is a pink-purple colour. Its test has bands of colour, giving it a star-like pattern. The green sea urchin is small and has spines with purple tips. The sea potato looks brown and has backwards-facing, furry looking spikes that leave a heart-shaped dotted white test.…

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The Week Junior (UK) (Digital) - 1 Issue, 479

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