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Biol Bull 119: 80-86. (August 1960)
© 1960 Marine Biological Laboratory
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THE FEEDING MECHANISM IN THE SAND DOLLAR MELLITA SEXIESPERFORATA (LESKE)

IVAN GOODBODY 1

1 Department of Zoölogy, University College of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

1. A brief description of Mellita sexiesperforata is given and the process of food collection and defecation are described.

2. Sand pushed onto the aboral surface is sorted by club-shaped spines. Fine particles drop down between the spines and are carried round to the oral surface by ciliary currents, thence to the ambulacral grooves. Mucus is probably secreted by the miliary spines on the aboral surface; podia play an accessory role in food gathering.

3. Defecation is an intermittent process and feeding stops while it is in progress. Spines and pedicellariae prevent feces from reaching the mouth.






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