How do sea urchins consume their food?

• A. By using their tube feet to capture prey
• B. By filtering plankton through their spines
• C. By using Aristotle's lantern to scrape algae and other food from surfaces
• D. By absorbing nutrients directly through their skin

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of a sea urchin: Sea urchins have a unique feeding structure called Aristotle's lantern, which is a complex arrangement of muscles and teeth-like structures.
2. Learn about the function of Aristotle's lantern: This structure allows sea urchins to scrape algae and other food particles from surfaces, which is their primary method of feeding.
3. Differentiate between feeding methods: Unlike some marine animals that use tube feet for capturing prey or filter feeding, sea urchins primarily use Aristotle's lantern for scraping food.
4. Consider the habitat and diet: Sea urchins are often found in rocky marine environments where they can graze on algae growing on surfaces.
5. Summarize the feeding process: Sea urchins use the mechanical action of Aristotle's lantern to effectively scrape and consume food from their environment, which is crucial for their survival.