Sea Urchins Grow Up Rough!

Getting older hurts, we all know it, but none of us will ever have it as bad as sea urchins do. Sea urchins, who are known for their spiny appearance, aren’t always such imposing little creatures. In fact, sea urchin larvae are barely noticeable and can often be found mixed in with plankton on the sea floor. During this time, they carry with them a “back pack” filled with their adult structures. It is unknown exactly what leads to the larvae maturing, but it’s known that the change in catalyzing in part by histamines, and that during the change the sea urchin literally turns inside out. So next time you’re upset about growing up, just think of how much worse sea urchins have it.